On the Road with Lydia Melmeth

Queensland Ballet’s Education Teaching Artists are hitting the open road in August and September, taking school and community workshops to 15 locations across regional Queensland. The workshops aim to inspire regional communities and provide the opportunity to experience the physical, social and emotional benefits of dance.

The workshops cater for all ages and abilities with something on offer for everyone. Community classes, presented by Ergon Energy Network and Energex range from QB Petit Pointers aimed to enthral the littlest lovers of dance, to a tailored Ballet for Adults class for mature active adults. The tour also includes In-School workshops, sponsored by Shell’s QGC business, providing safe, educative and inclusive dance experiences for students in kindergartens and schools.

Queensland Ballet’s Education Teaching Artists play a vital role in taking the joy of movement and ballet all across Queensland, from our home studio in Brisbane to rural towns in outback Queensland. Throughout the tour we are going to help you get to know our Education Teaching Artists by asking them all the important questions; from their fondest moment on stage, why regional tour is important for regional communities, and of course, the best road trip songs.

Q: How did your dance journey begin? 

A: I began dancing at age five after my sister received a ballet book for Christmas. I took the book to kindy and started teaching my classmates how to dance. My mother then asked me if I would like to try ballet and I haven’t stopped since.

Q: How long have you been a Queensland Ballet Education Teaching Artist for? 

A: I have been a Queensland Ballet Education Teaching Artist since 2015.  

Q: If you had to pick one moment dancing on stage that is most memorable, what would it be?

A: It's difficult to think of one as I've had lots of magical moment on stage! Some highlights would have to be dancing with the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania in Rituals of Life and performing Don Quixote on an outdoor stage in Italy.

Q: What do you love most about dance?

A: It’s a universal language that everyone can connect and relate to!

Q: What is your favourite part of regional tour?

A: Teaching and engaging with the locals! Exploring new places and discovering the best bakeries in town.

Q: What has been your regional tour highlight?

A: A highlight for me was when I had the opportunity to travel to Dirranbandi with two artists from Queensland Music Festival to present workshops as part of The Little Green Road to Fairyland regional tour. We had students and teachers travel from very small schools in remote areas of Queensland to partake.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about being on the road again?

A: I’m looking forward to teaching with my fellow Queensland Ballet teaching artists and doing what I love everyday!

Q: What’s something we may not know about you?

A: I am a fitness fanatic and a certified personal trainer and Pilates instructor! 

Q: "To me, dancing is ......?"

A: A short cut to happiness.

Q: Why is the regional tour important to you?

A: There are so many passionate and talented ballet lovers in regional Queensland. It is so special to share Queensland Ballet’s programs with these communities as they cater to such wide demographics of people, from seniors right down to early years.

Q: Best road trip song?

A: I’m usually the road trip DJ and I love anything Fleetwood Mac, however during the long drives between towns we usually have a very versatile playlists ranging from country to Disney to a bit of salsa.

Photo credit: Jason Starr