Charity Carrig

You’d never know she was a transplant! if I had to pick a word to describe her, it would “Audacity” - willingness to take bold risks. Her extensive dance background gave her confidence to open a studio in the middle of covid. Period. Read more about her below and check her out on instagram at :

@ElementsDance716

What made you start or brought you where you are today ? Tell us your Story. What makes you a Buffalo Boss Babe?

I took my first dance class when I was 6 years old in Lapeer, MI. I immediately fell in love with dance class. I had a wonderful teacher by the name Heather Vaughan. Her kindness and passion for teaching dance made my life long dream to become a dance teacher. I danced all throughout high-school and went onto getting my B.A. in Performance Dance. While dancing I was teaching from a very early age. I assisted classes from age 12 and had my own classes when I was 14. The teacher I am today wasn't the teacher I was then. Haha. I've had a ton of experience and I've been able to learn all the good (and bad) things. I've seen it all. haha In 2020 I had given birth to my 4th child and to be completely honest we were financially struggling. Couldn't buy a home or afford basic meals some weeks. I was teaching in many different studios just trying to make a living. After the pandemic hit, I knew I had to get out of where I was. I took a HUGE leap of faith and opened a tiny 700sq foot, one room studio on Southwestern. Within 2 months I had about 100 students signed up to dance with me for the 2020-2021 season. That year, 6 months later we expanded into a 1800 sq ft space down the road with two studio spaces and a bigger lobby. Since I opened my doors We've had over 600 students from all ages dance with us. I provide a unique space that is accepting of all people. Dance is such an expressive art form that it should be shared with everyone. We are ending our third season with 250 full time students and we're looking to expand again. Since opening the studio. I've bought my family a home. I can buy groceries when I need them and I've been able to give back to Charity and donate when people are in need. It's really a full circle moment.

some of my accomplishments: Growing up, I studied at Lapeer Academy of Dance and the Rochester School of Ballet. Early on I performed with the Boston Ballet in the "Nutcracker". At age twelve I became the youngest member on the WNBA's professional dance team, and then to open for the Detroit Pistons as a tumbler. In 2002 I was asked to be a dancer at Lil' Bow Wow's movie premier for Like Mike. I spent multiple years training professionally and in the competition scene, traveling in and out of state with my team. I also danced on my high school Pom team, also competing and performing at sporting events. I went to Oakland University from 2004 - 2008 to pursue a dance career. In college I had the opportunity to perform as a guest member in "Patterson Rhythm Pace" and "Eisenhower Dance Ensemble" and also be apart of the "Intrigue" Hip Hop dance crew. In 2008 I received a Matilda Award for Outstanding Dance Performance and earned my Bachelors Degree in Performance Arts Dance. In 2009 I moved to Buffalo, NY to travel with professional modern dance company Lehrer Dance. In 2010 I traveled to Europe with another company to perform at the annual International Dance Festival in Lądek-Zdrój. Upon returning to Buffalo I began break dancing at local "Battle @ Buffalo" scene. I’ve also spent time on tour with local dance competitions as a judge and mentor for young dancers. After an ankle injury, I attended school for Massage therapy and in 2012 became a NY state licensed Massage Therapist. My husband Timothy and I, were married in 2014 and have four children, Jackson, Hawksley, Finnley and Parker, along with 3 step kids, Elijah, Eloise and Annabelle. As a performer and a teacher, I have continued to be recognized for my unique style, receiving awards for choreography and creativity. I am constantly acquiring continued education in dance and acrobatic arts through CLI Studios, Acrobatic arts, Progressing Ballet Technique and other online and in person forums. I am currently certified with Acrobatic Arts, MUvMethod and Progressing Ballet Technique. When Covid-19 struck, I quickly became familiar with online software and have been taking courses for successful virtual dance experiences.

Who are your favorite people to follow ?

I follow other successful studios from all over the world. I've made friends with owners in all different countries. Canada, Australia, England... It's awesome when women support women. I also follow a ton of skateboarders, photographers and DIY stuff.

What are your favorite things to do in the area ? Buffalo and greater WNY

I love spending time with my family. We love the Zoo, Buffalo Science Museum. Summer time is awesome with the Hamburg Farmer's Market, Fairs... Anything with my family is a good day.

Tell us about your favorite collaboration or dream collaborations ?

I love working with new creative minds. I'm usually up for just about anything. I've been exploring "dance for the camera". Which is dance choreographed just for TV or video. Or to have a space where we choreograph based on what's in the room. I'd like to venture outside of a typical dance room.

If you could have coffee with anyone in the world who would it be?

Oh wow... Just one??? Before when I was younger I'd probably name a celebrity or famous person. Now that I'm older I'd love to be able to sit down with my Mom and Dad again and tell them about everything. Unfortunately they passed away some years ago and never got to see my success or all of my kids. So coffee or tea would be great.

What are your hopes, dreams, goals. Big or small?

My hopes and dreams is to NOT just build another studio. But to create a culture within my studio of kindness, respect, love and inclusion. Ideally my DREAM space would have 5 studio rooms and an auditorium. A one stop shop. I also hope to include dance therapy. I'd be super thrilled if my husband could help me run the studio and quit his retail job.

Tell us about your family?

They're awesome!!! I'm married to my husband Timothy. We got married in 2014 and he came with 3 "bonus" children. Elijah who is 14, Eloise is turning 13 this weekend and Annie who is 11. After we met we had 4 more kiddos. Jackson is 9, Hawksley is 8, Finnley is 5 and Parker is 3. 5 out of 7 of my kids dance with me now at the studio. My family is the reason I'm so successful. I have to be for them. They are my reason and they are my why.

FEEL GOOD FAVORITES

Fun stuff <3 Please write in your favorites of each

Restaurant in Buffalo: Coyote Cafe or Comfort Zone Cafe

Color: Blues but I'm usually caught wearing all black

Super Power: I'm just saying Scarlett Witch is pretty bad@$$

Animal : I like otters, sloths and Koalas.

Season of the year: FALL (Like the warm part) I'm a Halloween fan!

Favorite thing about Buffalo / WNY: If I didn't move here, I would've never met my husband or have my children.