Business Details
Rhythm In Shoes: Performing Arts & Event Production in Ohio
We are Sharon Leahy and Rick Good, a creative partnership dedicated to advancing dance, music, theater, and film through innovative performances and educational initiatives. Since the 1980s, we have cultivated a reputation for blending traditional and contemporary art forms, fostering community engagement through workshops, festivals, and collaborative projects. Our work spans decades of artistic exploration, including the founding of Rhythm in Shoes and the development of multigenerational ensembles that celebrate cultural heritage. We specialize in curating immersive experiences like the Trad Romp Wknd and Step-a-tune Dance Weekend, which combine concerts, dance instruction, and jam sessions. Our family band collaborations and partnerships with regional artists amplify our commitment to accessible, participatory art.With a focus on storytelling and social consciousness, we produce original music and theatrical works that resonate with diverse audiences. Our projects, such as The Family Business, emphasize intergenerational creativity and the preservation of living traditions. We operate from Yellow Springs, Ohio, and Floyd, Virginia, serving local and national communities through performances, residencies, and digital content. Our mission is to inspire connection and joy through the arts while maintaining rigorous artistic standards and fostering inclusive environments for all participants.
Services
Dance Workshops
Music Performances
Theater Productions
Event Planning
Film Projects
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in folk arts education and performance.
- Our team curates immersive multigenre festivals with expert-led workshops.
- We specialize in intergenerational ensemble productions and community-building events.
- Our original music and theatrical works address contemporary social themes.
- We maintain partnerships with regional artists and cultural organizations nationwide.
Services
Dance Workshops
We offer percussive dance workshops for intermediate to advanced learners, covering drills, improvisation, and choreography. Our instructors include Sharon Leahy and Becky Hill, who have decades of experience in clogging and flatfooting. Participants gain technical skills while engaging with traditional and contemporary dance forms through immersive weekend intensives and festival programs.
Music Performances
Our original and traditional music performances feature Sharon Leahy, Rick Good, and collaborators like The Mammals and Evie Ladin. We specialize in folk, old-time, and indie-roots genres, blending instrumental mastery with storytelling. Performances include concerts, staff shows, and multigenerational ensemble pieces that highlight our 40-year artistic legacy.
Event Planning
We organize cultural festivals like Trad Romp Wknd and Ashokan Southern Week, featuring music, dance, and workshops. Our events combine concerts, jam sessions, and community dances with educational programming. Venues include the Foundry Theater and Floyd EcoVillage, offering immersive experiences for audiences and participants of all ages.
Theater Productions
Our theatrical works include original plays and collaborations that integrate dance, music, and narrative. Projects like 'The Family Business' showcase multigenerational storytelling, while family band performances with Emma and Linzay Good blend generational perspectives. Productions emphasize social consciousness and cultural preservation through live performance.
Film Projects
We create documentary and performance-based films showcasing dance traditions and artistic collaborations. Projects include Sharon Leahy's 'Hot Jim' video and archival recordings of Rhythm in Shoes performances. Our digital content preserves cultural heritage while expanding access to workshops and performances through platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud.
People
Sharon Leahy
Dance Instructor
Sharon Leahy is a renowned percussive dancer and educator with over 40 years of experience. She co-founded Rhythm in Shoes and teaches workshops nationwide, specializing in clogging and flatfooting. Her work emphasizes community engagement and the preservation of traditional dance forms through performance and instruction.
Questions
What types of dance workshops do you offer?
We offer percussive dance workshops for intermediate to advanced learners, focusing on clogging, flatfooting, and improvisation. Sharon Leahy and Becky Hill lead sessions at events like Step-a-tune Dance Weekend.
Where are your performances held?
Performances and festivals occur at venues like the Foundry Theater in Yellow Springs, Floyd EcoVillage in Virginia, and the Ashokan Center in New York.
How can I access your music and videos?
Our music is available on SoundCloud, and videos are on the LeahyGood YouTube channel, including archival recordings and instructional content.
Do you collaborate with other artists?
Yes, we partner with regional and national artists like The Mammals, Evie Ladin, and Bob Lucas for performances, workshops, and recordings.
What is The Family Business?
The Family Business is our collaborative project involving Sharon, Rick, their daughter Emma, and other artists for multigenerational performances and events.
How long have you been active?
Sharon and Rick have collaborated since the 1980s, creating art through Rhythm in Shoes, The Family Business, and independent projects for over 40 years.
