A popular and well loved ballet teacher,examiner and adjudicator

Principal Lydia Cagney Morris has been involved in dance for 40 years.

Lydia obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Performance Studies from Victoria University of Technology in 1993 and is a qualified 

Licentiate Diploma teacher with  Cecchetti Ballet Australia

       Lydia has been the state organiser of the Cecchetti Ballet

Victoria’s Choreographic Competition since 2003.

In addition to her extensive experience and qualifications Lydia also obtained a

Diploma of Dance Teaching and Management- CUA50311 with the

A.T.O.D- Australian Teachers of Dancing in 2014.

In addition to her dance teaching work Lydia has worked as an Adjudicator of

Dance,Speech and Drama all over Australia and New Zealand since the year 2000

Previously a dance a teacher at the MLC-Methodist Ladies College in Kew

Lydia also trained as a W.A.G (Womens Artistic Gymnastics) Beginner Gymnastics Coach in 2019.

In addition to her work in performing arts Lydia works as a Kindergarten educator and has a

Diploma of Early Childhood Education is an AMEB PAA (Performing Arts Awards) Examiner. 

Vanessa Northcott is a professional dance artist and freelance choreographer from Melbourne AUS, 

currently a SCIMM Dance Company Member since 2019.

                       In 2018, Vanessa was a cohort member of

Tr.IPP (Transit International Professional Pathway) directed by Israel Aloni.

Here she was involved in collaborating with internationally renowned artists to create monthly contemporary works.

Vanessa was an original cast member of 'Colossus' by Stephanie Lake where she performed at the

Arts Centre in both 2018 and 2019.

One of her most enjoyable performance experiences to date.

Vanessa trained at Patricks Studios Australia for Elite and Full Time studies (2012-2015), as well as

graduating from Transit Dance Pre-Professional Contemporary Pathway in 2016.

Alongside her dance training, Vanessa spent 10 years as a National stream gymnast, achieving

National Level 7 in a competitive training squad.

As an emerging choreographer, Vanessa has choreographed for several events,

including Underground Melbourne, Grounded, 

Battle of the Arts and the Dance Architect Youth Choregraphic Competition (2016, 2017),

where she was awarded

runner-up for her conceptual piece "Wandering Mind" in 2016-2017.

Vanessa further developed her

piece "Wandering Mind" into a sell-out seasoned performance.

Which she showcased at the 2017 Melbourne Fringe Festival in the double-bill

"Scatter Brains & Doodle-Heads".

Vanessa is currently completing a Bachelor of Visual Communication Design at Deakin University.

Ellie Martin is a very talented and popular teacher at Bayside Ballet Academy joining the team in 2021.

Ellie has experience in both musical theatre and dance with extensive training in all areas.

She trained in the R.A.D syllabus with Jane Moore up to

Intermediate level which she obtained in 2009 with Distinction.

Ellie also undertook a 2 year full time Musical Theatre training with Robert Sturrock and

full time acting course at the Acting Performance Studio graduating in 2018.

Ellie has performed in numerous shows with both CLOC and the

Beaumaris Theatre Company since 2011.

She was also a dancer in both the Starlight Foundations Charity Ball and

with Rob Mills at Crown Casino in  2008.

Ellie grew up with a talented "tap dancing teacher' Mum

well known for her high level of training throughout Melbourne.

We love having Ellie onboard every Tuesday at BBA and look forward to a fantastic year.