Conversations with Missy Lay Zimmer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Missy Lay Zimmer.

Hi Missy , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My young career started here in Cincinnati dancing at a local Dance Studio under the direction of Jean Mullins and Bruce Stegman. Additionally, I attended the school for creative performing arts under the direction of Mark Diamond and Sheila Cohen. Attending the school at that time was very important for me. To be in a creative space like the former SCPA. It was such a special time in Cincinnati with powerhouse talent at that school.

Additionally, I had incredibly supportive parents who allowed for me to study in New York City at the Joffrey ballet and also in Chicago at the Gus Giordano school of Dance in Chicago. My professional training continued at Broadway Dance Center in New York City, where my husband and I are now on faculty as well as steps on Broadway in New York City.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I moved to New York City out of high school, it was what most dancers go through at that time, which is learning to be responsible and on your own, I just happened to be in the most expensive and most exciting city in the world!

I wouldn’t necessarily say it was a struggle, even though it was very hard because I tried to really establish myself on my own. I had wonderful supportive parents that were there for me when need be.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My husband and I are former Broadway performers. We were blessed enough to perform in four Broadway shows, including being the closing and final cast of the Broadway production of CATS! This is where I met my incredible husband Andrew Hubbard! He played tumble Brutus in the show and I played Victoria the white cat. We had a decade long career in New York City dancing on SNL, choreographing for Mariah Carey and much more… We now reside in Cincinnati and opened a studio 22 years ago called Planet Dance Cincinnati Cincinnati and run our nonprofit organization and professional Dance company for adults. Exhale Dance Tribe ‘25 to Watch’ bu Dance Magazine. Most recently we launched a new mentorship program that is international! Called INDIVIDU8 Mentorship. Aside from choreographing for the Cincinnati ballet for 10 seasons and working with the likes of brilliant musical duo over the ride and also rock legend Peter Frampton, We produced over 75 shows at the Aronoff center for the yards the Broadway series leader here in Cincinnati.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Andrew and I love nature! It is a wonderful opportunity to reset and connect! Reconnecting with nature, family, and friends is one of our favorite things to do. We named our business Planet Dance Cincinnati because we wanna get the whole planet dancing!

Pricing:

• $20-$25 per class

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.planetdancecincinnati.com
• Instagram: Planetdancecincinnati
• Facebook: Planetdancecincinnati
• Other: https://Individu8.us