How it all began…
Born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, Lydia grew up immersed in the world of the arts… whether she wanted to or not. Her theatrical debut came at just nine months old, playing the infant Jesus in Fatima by S.T.A.G.E. Inc., a local theatre company her family was deeply involved in. With a mom who taught art classes and directed productions, Lydia was literally raised backstage. Participating in shows wasn’t just encouraged—it was more convenient than hiring a babysitter.
Though her earliest roles may have come with a bribe (usually a trip to the dollar store), it wasn’t long before Lydia thrived on stage. She quickly fell in love with musicals, and before she could even spell “choreography,” was creating elaborate dance numbers for her siblings and neighbors to perform in… whether they volunteered or not. Lydia was always creating, always singing, and always shmooving.
The journey…
As Lydia got older, her love for performing only grew. In high school, she spent three years singing, dancing, and flipping her hair dramatically in show choir, eventually becoming a dance captain. She also trained in dance outside of rehearsals, studying everything from ballet to acrodance—but it was swing dancing that truly stole her heart.
Outside of show choir, Lydia performed in multiple musicals and plays, sang in various choirs, and began choreographing full-length musicals for S.T.A.G.E. Inc.—the same company that once cast her as a baby. Talk about full circle.
After high school, she enrolled as a musical theatre major at Nebraska Wesleyan University, where she continued honing her skills. She adored it but felt a pull toward something more dance-focused. She transferred to the prestigious Oklahoma City University, ready to embrace new challenges, chase bigger dreams, and put her musical theatre background to good use.
How it’s going…
Now studying dance at Oklahoma City University, Lydia is passionate about creating movement that tells stories, builds connection, and brings joy. As the official choreographer for S.T.A.G.E. Inc., she now choreographs the same musicals that first sparked her love for theatre.
She hopes to one day choreograph for a professional theatre company and produce cinematic renditions of musical theatre numbers using her own choreography. Offstage, she adores her big, amazing family (14 nieces and nephews - and counting!) and her wonderful boyfriend, who bravely volunteers for every new lift or swing trick she wants to test.
Her mission is simple: to create choreography that uplifts hearts, sparks laughter, and nurtures the creativity of children through dance.
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