Leigh Simmons founded Tarrytown Dance in 2002 and expanded the studio with a move to a larger location in August 2010. Leigh also opened a sister studio West Austin Dance Academy in 2004, which she sold in 2009. Leigh began dancing at the age of seven, receiving most of her training from Frances and Bruce Lea in Fort Worth, Texas. As a member of the nationally recognized Bruce Lea Dancers, she performed across Texas and began teaching at just 15 years old. 

A graduate of Texas Christian University, Leigh has taught all forms of dance for 30 years. In 1982, she won the prestigious Joe Tremaine Dance Scholarship in Los Angeles and went on to serve as head of the jazz department at the Frances Lea Dance Center. Over the years, she has studied with renowned instructors and choreographers such as Doug Caldwell and Voight Kempson (jazz); Barry Lather, Fusion, Ludacris, and Tabitha & Napoleon (hip hop); Marcea Lane and Liz Imperio (jazz/lyrical); and Frances Lea, Larry Howard, Ted Levy, and Mike Minery (tap). Her career includes numerous live performances, industry videos, and commercials. Leigh was recognized in Austin Women's Magazine as one of the reader-nominated entrepreneurs of 2014.

In the summer of 2025, Leigh entrusted and sold Tarrytown Dance to Lisa Stockton, confident she would honor its values while elevating its future. Under Lisa’s leadership, the studio’s legacy continues to grow, with exciting new opportunities for our dancers and community!