Irish dancer opens school to memorialize father’s heritage

by Stacia Naoum  

The newly opened Smyth School of Irish Dance in Broadview Heights teaches an internationally acclaimed dance form that combines elite athleticism, technical excellence, show performance, teamwork and leadership, said CEO Christine Smyth. 

“Our mission is to empower children to grow in culture, character and dancing,” Smyth said. “Our vision is to touch every person’s life with love.” 

Smyth, who has been competing in Irish dance since she was 6 and recently received her Irish dance teaching certification, is the primary instructor to the 10 students enrolled. Two student teachers assist with workshops and summer camps.  

The studio, which offers classes for children and adults, has been operating out of Interpretations Dance Academy, 101 Oakes Rd., since it opened last spring.  

“Ever since I was a little girl, I always knew I wanted to open my own Irish dance school in my father’s name,” said Smyth, a senior studying arts management, entrepreneurship and dance at Baldwin Wallace University.  

She said she started Irish dancing in honor of her late father, Colin Smyth, who was 100 percent Irish.   

“My father died when I was one month shy of turning 3,” said Smyth. “He worked in the steel mills and never personally danced himself, but he always loved Irish dance and wanted to sign me up.” 

Once Smyth was old enough, her mother enrolled her in an Irish dance class, which allowed her to stay connected to her dad’s roots.  

“This kept his memory alive in my heart,” she said.   

For the past 17 years, Smyth has competed in Irish dance with national and international success.  

“I achieved all of my competitive goals during my career, including becoming a multiple-time regional champion, international podium placer and world medal holder in my solos by placing in the top one percent internationally,” said Smyth. “I additionally won the world championships with my team several times.” 

Smyth was named the 2020 Ohio Rose of Tralee in February, granting her the opportunity to participate in the International Rose of Tralee Festival in Ireland. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the festival was postponed until August 2021.  

Last April, Smyth received her TCRG Irish dance teaching degree, the abbreviation for the Gaelic Teagascóir Choimisiúin le Rinci Gaelacha. She passed with honors.  

“Since I am now certified as a competitive dance school internationally, I can build the Smyth School of Irish Dance,” said Smyth. “It is a challenging time to start a business, but well worth it. We must be resilient.” 

Smyth opened the school in the midst of the pandemic and is taking all precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

“Currently, we are wearing masks in class and practicing frequent hand washing, temperature checking before group classes and regular sanitization,” said Smyth. “We are lucky to be a non-contact sport and are focusing on solo dancing only at this point.” 

Smyth runs the studio fulltime and plans to continue to do so post-graduation.   

“It is my dream career,” she said.   Find the Smyth School at facebook.com/thesmythschool or call 216-372-7571 for more information. 

Feature image photo caption: Christine Smyth

Christine Smyth teaches a class. Photo by J. Kananian