Lydia McNamara

Hi everyone, this is just a little background about me that will hopefully allow you to get to know me better.

I was born January 26th, 1974 in Sydney, Australia. I come from a large family, and therefore enjoy a family atmosphere around me. My father is Irish and my mother is Ukrainian so there is a wonderful combination already. My parents had six children and all of us were busy with sports growing up, but for me, dancing and ‘barbies’ were my life.

I just loved to perform, wear make-up and dance. Mum said I would even dance down the aisles at the shopping centre, but I never dreamt of being a dance teacher – anyone who would listen, knew I was going to be a movie star. Well since you really don’t know who I am, it’s safe to say there’s no Oscars on my shelf, but a lot of other life achievements that I’m probably more proud of.

I am married to Timothy, a wonderful man who gave me our first child, a gorgeous little boy, TJ in May 2003, and now my newest child, Jacob. It was Tim’s work that brought us here to Wagga as he is a member of the Defence Force and works out at Kapooka. It was initially just a short stop over, but now…well let’s say, you won’t be getting rid of us any time soon!

DANCE/SINGING/DRAMA TRAINING:

77 – 86’:          H&C Hayes School of Arts

                        (Jazz, Tap, Ballet, & Acrobatics – BDA Syllabus)

86 – 90’:          Keane Kids / Gala Productions

                        (Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Acrobatics, Singing and Drama – BDA / RAD)

90 – 92’:          Dynamite Studios

                        (Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Modern)

90 – 93’:          Student teach for Double K Dancers- Sydney

                        (Acrobatics, Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Modern, Contemporary – A.T.O.D)

94 – 01’:          Lydia’s Rhythm and Dimensions Dance Academy. (Owner / Proprietor)

                        (Teaching all areas of the performing arts – A.T.O.D)

95 – 98’:          Sydney Dance Company

                        (Jazz, Contemporary, Modern)

01 – 02’:          Townsville Academy – Fulltime teacher/receptionist

                        (Jazz, Tap, Stretch, Acrobatics, Street Beat – Workshops and Adjudication)



DANCE, THEATRE, TV & FILM ACHIEVEMENTS:

78 – 90’:          Eisteddfods, Shopping centres, Talent Quests, Dance Festivals, and Carols by Candlelight

86’:                  Sydney Opera House Main Event Spectacular 

87’:                  Channel 7 Telathon, live coverage / TV film for the department of EDU

88’:                  Film – ‘Five Times Dizzy’ / The leaving of Liverpool / Roses

90’:                  The Music Man (an LDS Production) / A Country Practice

91’:                  The Pirates of Panzance – Part of Isabel (an LDS Production) / Home & Away

92’:                  Seven Brides for Seven Brothers – Part of Alice (and LDS Production) / Home & Away

92’:                  Teaching / Workshops: Freemont California (Williams Academy)

                        Teaching / Workshops: Staffordshire England (Ashley’s School of Dance)

93 – 97’:          Sydney Stake Dance Festival Champion

94 – 95’:          Kubby Kidz Clothing Co Model

96 – 98’:          AFL ARL Half Time Entertainer: Sydney Swans, Roosters, Magpies, QLD Cowboys

97’:                  AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL ACROBATIC CHAMPIONS – Gold Coast QLD

97 – 98’:          Acrobatic Coach for TMT Productions

99 – 00’:          Puppet Works Dancers – Ampang, Kuala Lumpur

00 – 01’:          Producer / Performer of Team One – Sydney song and dance group

00 – 01’:          Acrobatic Coach for TMT Productions

01’:                  BYU Performing Arts group workshop – Provo, Utah, USA

01’:                  Film – The Man Who Sued God

02’:                  Teaching / Workshops throughout QLD / Adjudication

03’:                  Freelance Dance teacher / Adjudication and opening a brand new studio in Wagga

04’ – Now:      Artistic Director SCPA, Sports Acrobatics, and Sports/cheerleading – Level 1 Coach Reg B.B.O/ GWT.


I hope this gives you a little insight about my experience and me – I am extremely passionate about my work and firmly believe in pursuing you dreams! Our studio motto is just that:
“DREAM BIG AND LIVE YOUR DREAMS”

-Lydia

L. McNamara
Artistic Director
Southern Cross Performing Arts
6 Mortimer Place
Wagga Wagga  NSW  2650

Ph: (02) 6925 1970 or 0415 760 182