Henry “Ty” Neading Carrying the Legacy Forward (and still pointing his feet)
As Canton Ballet’s Alumni Spotlight Series continues, we jump from the Ballet’s earliest formative decades into a new generation — one shaped by the strength of its foundation and the evolution of its training.
By the late 1980s and early 1990s, Canton Ballet had firmly established itself as a cornerstone of arts education in the region. It was during this time that a young dancer named Henry “Ty” Neading first entered the studios.
Henry “Ty” Neading alongside his twin brother, Christian “Mo” Neading — and in the back is alumnus Bernie Richards.
Alongside his twin brother, “Mo” — splitting time between soccer games and ballet class — Ty quickly learned an important life skill: How to go from shin guards to tights with minimal explanation.
“There weren’t many of us doing both,” Ty recalls. “But looking back, it worked out. Footwork is footwork… just fewer pirouettes in soccer.”
Ty trained at Canton Ballet for nearly a decade under the direction of Cassandra Crowley and, at the time, Assistant to the Director, Jennifer Catazaro Hayward, whose influence continues to shape generations of dancers.
L to R: Lauren Smith, Henry “Ty” Neading, and Artistic Director Cassandra Crowley
Ty fondly remembers in his early years that “Miss Jennifer” created an environment that was both warm and exacting — a place where you felt supported, but also knew that if something wasn’t quite right… you’d be doing it again.
And again.
“My time with Canton Ballet with Ms. Crowley and ‘Miss Jennifer’ were among the most important and influential experiences of my life.”
“Miss Jennifer was incredibly kind — but also very effective at letting you know when something needed improvement. Usually with one look.”
Of course, not every memory was about perfect fifth positions.
Some were about the joy — and occasional unpredictability — of performing.
“There was always this energy around performances. You felt like you were part of something bigger… even if you weren’t entirely sure what was happening backstage.”
Kodak contact sheet of Canton Ballet boy dancers, including Henry “Ty” Neading
Among Ty’s favorites was performing in Angelo Lemmo’s Sleeping Bag — a piece that fully embraced creativity.
“Sleeping Bag was just fun. Not every ballet involves a sleeping bag… but when it does, you remember it.”
While Ty didn’t pursue dance professionally, the lessons he carried with him turned out to be surprisingly useful elsewhere.
He graduated from Canton McKinley High School, then attended The Ohio State University, earning both a B.S.B.A. and a Master of Accounting, before continuing at New York University School of Law, where he completed both his J.D. and LL.M. in Taxation.
Today, Ty is a Partner at Ernst & Young in Boston, advising companies and private equity firms on complex transactions.
“It turns out that attention to detail, discipline, and being able to take correction translate pretty well outside of ballet.”
“Also, no one in tax meetings asks you to start over from the beginning — which is a nice change,” he says with a laugh.
And while his career took him away from the stage, ballet never fully left him.
Years later, Ty returned to class — this time as an adult in New York and Boston.
“I remember thinking, ‘This could go very poorly.’”
“But the technique was still there… which I credit entirely to Canton Ballet.”
L to R: Henry “Ty” Neading and Angela Gallik at Regional Dance America Festival 2000 with choreography by Angelo Lemmo
His connection to the arts has remained constant.
Ty has served as Treasurer of the national board of Regional Dance America and held leadership roles with both the Boston Dance Alliance and the José Mateo Ballet Theatre, where he served on the Board of Directors.
“Dance gave me a community I’ve stayed connected to — just in different roles over time.”
And perhaps that’s the throughline.
“Canton Ballet was a place you wanted to be. It wasn’t just about class — it was about being part of something.”
Canton Ballet Apprentice Photo, 1997 | Front Row L to R: Lauren Smith, Allison Campbell, Angela Irion, and Jennifer Gunnerson | Middle L to R: Heather Atram, Carolyn Casey, Carleen Risaliti, and Noelle Lelakus | Back L to R: Tyriq Hunter, Ashley Bettis, Brad Beggs (Center), “Ty” Neading, and Morgan Rutledge | Top L to R: Ashley Spencer and Christian “Mo” Neading
Now, as Canton Ballet celebrates its 60th Anniversary, Ty’s journey comes full circle in more ways than one.
Alongside his wife, Laura, he serves as Co-Presenting Sponsor of the 60th Anniversary Gala — supporting the same institution that once shaped his path.
And in a return no one quite saw coming…
Ty will once again take the stage.
At the 60th Anniversary Gala, he will reprise his role in Sleeping Bag — joined by fellow male alumni (identities to be revealed that evening).
“It seemed like a good idea at the time,” Ty jokes. “We’ll see how it goes.”
His story marks an important chapter in this Alumni Spotlight Series — bridging the Ballet’s early decades with its continued relevance today.
Because the story of Canton Ballet is not only told through its history —
…but through the lives of those who carry it forward.
…and occasionally return to the stage.
Ty Neading and Son
Continue Exploring the Series
Follow along each month as we highlight the alumni, artists, and individuals who have shaped Canton Ballet’s first 60 years — and are helping define its future.
