Dance studio founder keeps her feet tapping.
Doreen Hayes, founder of the Doreen Hayes School of Dancing, celebrates her school's 55th year with its annual recital at Ryerson Theatre June 25.
Staff photo/LISA RAINFORD
Doreen Hayes is within days of her 79th birthday, but the proprietor of the Doreen Hayes School of Dancing, a fixture on Bloor Street West at Jane Street since 1956, has difficulty contemplating retirement.
"What would I do? Sit at home and stare at my four walls? I've got so much energy. If I quit, I might as well die," said Hayes sitting in the office of her dance studio, Wednesday evening, June 15.
The longest running privately-owned dance studio in the province, Hayes says her studio has been in the Bloor West Village longer than any other business. The area, she said, is a far cry from what it once was: an eclectic mix of "quaint little interesting stores," she recalled.
Hayes said she's trying to hang on for just one more year - because next year is her 56th anniversary and she opened in 1956.
Other than dealing with a little arthritis in her leg, which flares up now and then, she's just as spry as she always was. Hayes, who still takes regular trips to Las Vegas and Atlantic City, is gearing up for her school's 55th annual dance recital at Ryerson Theatre, Saturday, June 25 at 7:30 p.m. This year's production, 'Under the Big Top,' features animal acts, Celtic in the circus, circus ballet, circus showtime, tumblers and a hip hop extravaganza. Tickets are available at the studio, 2453A Bloor St. W. or at the Ryerson box office.
"I've already got next year's show planned and I haven't even done this one yet," said Hayes, amid photographs of the singer-dancer early in her career. "Parents will say, 'Look at Ms. Hayes go. She's got more energy than our kids.'"
Hayes began tap dancing - her specialty - at just two years of age. As a teen, she'd sing at movie theatres between features. She would become an assistant teacher to her own instructor before opening her own dance studio.
Left on her own to raise her two daughters, Hayes sought help from one Mr. Clarkson at TD Bank on the northeast corner of Bloor West and Jane streets.
"I was stuck with two little kids. I didn't know what to do besides dance," Hayes said. "This little spot was for rent. I went across the street to TD Bank. Mr. Clarkson was like a father to me. He trusted me. He gave me a loan without asking for collateral. I paid him every dime I owed him."
Hayes has had a profound effect on several of her students. She recalled one girl in particular who went on to audition for the Rockettes in New York.
"She called me at 3 a.m. and said, 'Ms. Hayes, I made it!' I said, 'Who is this?' She was a Rockette for 25 years. She would send me postcards every so often. She did really well."
Hayes says she's happiest on stage.
"I'm happier in the spotlight on stage than I am walking along Bloor Street," she said. "Every year they say, 'Are you going to retire?' They'll probably find me down here dead on the floor."
The love of being on stage, of producing shows and seeing her dancers perform is what keeps her going.
"It's in my blood. I can't get it out," she said.
Hayes wraps up her dancing season June 22, and with her year end recital on June 25. She's already taking pre-registrations for next season. If you are interested or would like further details, call anytime to register at 416-767-3062 or email doreenhayes@gmail.com or visit www.doreenhayes.com