Lynsey’s Lord of the Dance Dreams Come True

A part–time Sports Lecturer with SERC has realised her dreams by securing a coveted spot with Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance and taking to the world stage - with her brother  - for a stadium tour of Taiwan.

Lynsey Smyth, from Newtownards, who taught on the BTEC Sport Level 3 at SERC’s Bangor Campus, started dancing at the age of 4.   She said, “Coming from a family of dancers, it was only natural for my mum to send me to classes on Saturday mornings following in the steps of my brother and sisters. I started dancing with the St. Patrick’s School of Irish Dance in Newtownards. I then transferred to the Reilly school in my teens and to the Armstrong School in my twenties. Each school provided me with the best training relevant for my ability at that time.

“In September 2020, Lord of the Dance announced that they would be holding online auditions for a stadium tour in Taiwan.   The initial stage involved learning a number from the show which the creative director shared on Zoom. I then had two weeks to practice and perfect the routine and put together my audition video. This meant I had to have full hair and makeup and perform as if I were in the show."

A few days after her audition, Lynsey received an email with the good news that she had been successful. She said, “Hundreds of dancers apply to be part of such a show, so it was an honour to be selected.  The bonus was that I was going to be performing alongside my brother, Connor, who has been in the show for seven years.”

Speaking about the tour Lynsey said, “It was a short four-week tour and we had to observe two weeks' quarantine once we landed in Taiwan before three days of intensive rehearsals before the 90 dancers completed eight stadium performances, in six days, in five different cities.

“The touring schedule can be intense; some days might be spent on a bus travelling, or we could be in rehearsal, but we also had downtime to explore. There is a lot to do before any show, typically, we mark everyone’s positions on stage as this can change from night to night as every stage is different. We then warm up, do our hair and makeup before putting on our costumes and are ready to go on. Once the show is over, we do a group cool-down before going back to the hotel or travelling to the next destination.

“With the show being off the road for the best part of a year the atmosphere and energy from the crowds were electric. The cast were back together with the new dancers doing what they loved and appreciating the moment even more.

“Irish dancing is extremely physical and does keep you fit; however, I also do a lot of gym work to build on my fitness and strength."

When asked what advice she would give to anyone wishing to follow in her steps, Lynsey said, “Anyone interested in performing at this level should get as much experience as possible performing to build confidence. It is a tough industry so you must approach all aspects of what you do with a positive attitude and mindset."  

Lynsey concluded, “The future is uncertain for performing arts due to Covid-19, but for now I am staying on top of my mental and physical health to ensure when the time comes, I will be ready for the stage.”

Pictured above: Lynsey Smyth with her brother Connor Smyth before performing on stage in Taiwan; the cast of Lord of the Dance on tour in Taiwan.