Legacy School of Dance, LLC, Interview with Kimberly R. Ligatti

The Legacy School of Dance, LLC (LSD) in Midlothian, Virginia, offers excellence in dance training for ages two through adult, beginning to advanced students. According to Kimberly R. Ligatti, their Artistic Director and Co-Owner, whether Legacy’s students dance strictly for recreation or they desire to have a profession in dance, they receive the same treatment. LSD is committed to developing the total dancer, through student-centered instruction, where students are trained in proper dance technique, and encouraged in scholastic achievement, giving the student a sense of pride and accomplishment. They offer classes in Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pointe, Contemporary, Tap and Modern Dance. Most of these classes are also available in their Adult Dance Classes.

Kimberly and Mary Farr-Maynard, the other Co-Owner, describe Legacy as a place “where dance is more than just something you do, it’s a part of who you are!”

Legacy’s studios truly facilitate a learning environment, with specially designed oak sprung floors, Harlequin supported floors, and proper barres and mirrors. It is their goal to ensure the correct development and care for their dancers.

In Kimberly’s opinion, Legacy is set apart from other studios because they are open to all students – no matter what their background in dance. LSD creates a family fun atmosphere that is supportive and hard working.  They are also run by dual ownership. Mary is the Business Manager and Kimberly is the artistic end, so they are able to balance dance family needs very well.

Kimberly’s proudest moments come when she sees students who work through struggles (body changes, growth, skill development) and overcome those struggles.  Then to see those same dancers develop into incredible artists and surpass their goals (and hers!) – there is nothing in the world like it. She also loves when students explore their art and training in different places and earn recognition; for example, regional and national competitions, colleges and universities, New York City schools, and even Joffrey.  It has been a wonderful accomplishment for her as the director.

From Kimberly’s experience, she thinks the greatest mistake dancers make is not realizing that it is okay to slow down their education and/or training in an effort to make sure they are training properly and building a strong foundation.  Trying to force skills, creates bad habits, and habits are hard to break.  Parents and young dancers sometimes feel insulted if Legacy doesn’t offer everyone the same skills at the same time; however, every dancer is an individual and they should train as such.   They all learn differently and they all develop at their own time.  Accepting and listening to their bodies is vital to a dancer’s proper growth. Another mistake dancers make is when they believe that all the work is done at the studio.  The greatest changes Kimberly sees in dancers is when they realize 20% of the work is done at the studio and 80% is completed when they leave, by stretching, practicing, and working on skills in their own time.  When a dancer is fully committed, you see them grow leaps and bounds.

Kimberly’s goals for their dance studio as a whole, it is her personal goal to bring the best education and programs to their students.  She wants to learn from the best, and give the best to their students.  Without a doubt, her goal is to always provide new information, skills, technique and a great education to their dance family.  They started a competition dance team just three years ago, and in the first two years they have worked very hard to clean up their technique and hold onto all constructive feedback.  They have learned a lot about their studio’s weaknesses and strengths from the points of view of others.  It has been awesome to see how they have grown.  This year their goal is to see all dancers on their team be recognized for their work, and to hear how they have grown in just a year’s time.

Ever since Kimberly was very young, she wanted to be a dance teacher and dance studio owner.  She had friends who aspired to be on Broadway and dance professionally, but for her it was always about choreography and working with young dancers of all ages.  She feels there is no better gift then seeing a young dancer perform for the first time.  To know that she has had a hand in that one unforgettable moment, is incredible.

If you would like more information about the Legacy School of Dance, visit their website at www.legacyschoolofdance.com, call them at (804) 272-9152 or email them at danceatlegacy@gmail.com. You can also “Like” them on Facebook and view them on YouTube.

Please post a comment if you have had any experience with Kimberly R. Ligatti of Legacy School of Dance, LLC.