Meet Lydia Banuelos
Meet Lydia Banuelos, the heart and soul behind New Heights. Growing up in North Carolina, Lydia's love for dance blossomed early through her involvement in recreational and competitive dance, as well as all-star cheerleading. This passion led her to pursue a career in dance, graduating magna cum laude from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) with a degree in theatre and a focus on dance education K-12.
college pursuit
At NCCU, Lydia shined both as a member and president of the NCCU Repertory Dance Company (2021-2022). She cherished the incredible training and performance opportunities, learning from talented guest artists like Willie Hinton and Jaylun Moore. Her dedication earned her numerous accolades, including NCCU Dancer of the Year (2018-2019 and 2021-2022) and the prestigious Kathryn Dunham Scholarship (2021-2022).
Lydia's talents extend beyond the classroom. She has graced the stage and screen in productions like Black Nativity by Justice Theatre Project, and River Speaks of Thirst, also by Justice Theatre Project, along with several films by Romell Harris Productions.
future goals
Today, Lydia is a licensed public school dance director, continuing to inspire young dancers. She pours her heart into New Heights, believing it will become a powerhouse company. Lydia's journey is a testament to her dedication and love for dance, and she can't wait to see what the future holds for New Heights!
Reach New Heights with Durhams Premier Dance Company
