LYDIA WHITESIDE
 

I grew up in Essex where I spent most of my time dancing. I began learning Ballet at Harlow Ballet School and it wasn't till I was a little older, that I then discovered Contemporary and Street Dance. At the age of 13, I then ventured into the realm of Musical Theatre with Academy Arts and never looked back!

When I wasn't at School, I was dancing or playing Netball. I performed in numerous shows and was always rehearsing and preparing for the next performance. I danced with the Ballet Russe and performed in many other Ballets and Musicals. I was extremely lucky to have these amazing opportunities and from this, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in Performing Arts and at the age of 15 I decided to audition for professional colleges.

 

I was extremely lucky to get a place at 4 prestigious colleges in London and received a Dance and Drama scholarship. I moved to London at the age of 16 and began my training in Musical Theatre at Millennium Performing Arts. I was trained by the industries top professionals and completed my 3-year course with the award for 'The Best All Round Performer'.

I have travelled all around the World performing. From a Shakespeare play  'Much Ado About Nothing' in London, to multiple shows on tour in Germany. I have toured around the UK working on a 2 man show, performed in Pantomimes and have even been lucky enough to choreograph and direct shows in Germany.
Most recently, I worked in the Caribbean as a Lead Vocalist and Entertainment Manager, before Covid came along and changed everything!

I have always taught alongside my performing work. It fills me with so much joy to be able to pass what I have learnt, on to others and my dream was always to open my own school.
In September 2020 I fell pregnant with my daughter and decided that it was time to settle down in Surrey. I was then given the most amazing opportunity to run my own dance school, which I could never turn down.

By 2021 I had two new babies, my daughter and TSS and now I get to do what I LOVE every single day and I have to pinch myself, as I can't believe we are here!

After battling with the chaos of Covid and juggling life as new mum and business owner, we have rebuilt the most amazing community with wonderful new studios, new classes and new goals.

I am so lucky to be surrounded by this community filled with wonderful families. We have a very exciting future ahead at The Stage Studio and I am so excited for what's to come!

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JENNIE TAYLOR

Jennie began working for us in 2016 and is now our wonderful admin assistant. Jennie is your first point of call with emails, texts and enquiries, and is so reliable and hard working. Having Jennie on our team gives us teachers the time and space to ensure all of the classes are as brilliant as they can be. Jennie lives in the local area with her family, and her two daughters enjoy attending classes with Lydia!

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