As Marymount London and Marymount New York launch an exciting new Artist in Residence Programme, we are delighted to welcome Lily Hickey. Marymount New York alumna, dance teacher, and performing arts advocate, who is visiting Marymount London for three weeks to share her expertise in liturgical dance and help build a vibrant ongoing exchange between our schools.
Below, Lily shares her journey, her passion for performing arts, and her hopes for the global Marymount network.
Q: Lily, can you tell us a little about your Marymount background?
A: I graduated from Marymount New York in 2016. I was only there for high school, but it shaped so much of who I am. After that, I went to Oklahoma City University to study Musical Theatre. I actually grew up mostly as a singer and actor, not a dancer!
Q: How did you transition into teaching dance?
A: Quite unexpectedly! I graduated during the pandemic and was deciding whether to go into performance. In 2021, I “fell into” teaching while working at the Marymount New York Summer Camp. I loved it, and that turned into part-time work across all of Performing Arts for a year. Now I’m in my third year teaching at Marymount New York as the Dance Teacher for K–5 and Director of Middle School Productions.
Q: You’ve said you never considered yourself a dancer. How has that shaped your teaching?
A: Honestly, it’s one of my strengths.
“I think this is what makes me a good dance teacher, as I understand it from the student perspective and understand what it’s like to be afraid of dance.”
I know what it feels like to step into something that doesn’t feel familiar yet, so I try to make dance approachable for every student.
Q: What sparked the idea for an Artist Exchange between Marymount New York and Marymount London?
A: It started with a simple conversation! A colleague of mine was planning to move to London and wondered about working at Marymount London. That made me reflect on the global Marymount network, which I’d never really thought about before. In theory, we can go anywhere.
There was also a fun “small world” moment, my mum is friends with Meg Fraiser, Marymount London’s former Headmistress. That connection helped start the conversation with Helen, and then things grew from there. The RSHM Festival (hosted every year at different RSHM network schools) offered a perfect first step.
Q: You work extensively with liturgical dance. How is it part of the Marymount New York experience?
A: Every December, from Class 5 through Grade 12, students can participate in Liturgical Dance for our Lessons and Carols services. It becomes almost a full-semester commitment. In Middle and High School, students choose to be part of it, and it’s a beautiful, reflective tradition.
Last year, for Ascension Thursday and for the retirement of our Headmistress of 35 years, Concepción Alvar, we created a whole-school liturgical dance. Seeing every grade express gratitude for someone who helped shape our Performing Arts programme, it was unforgettable. One of my favourite Marymount moments.
Q: What inspires you personally as a performing artist?
A: In my free time, I love to sing and see as many shows as possible, on Broadway or the
West End. My current favourite is MJ the Musical… I’ve now seen it 12 times! The energy of dancing eight times a week absolutely blows my mind.
Q: What will your Artist in Residence placement at Marymount London focus on?
A: I’m here for three weeks, collaborating closely with Daisy from the Performing Arts team. Together, we are bringing liturgical dance to Marymount London for Advent and building frameworks for ongoing exchange.
This includes:
My dream is to see Performing Arts brought to all Marymount schools through the Artist Exchange Programme and expanded beyond.
Q: What are you most excited for during your time at Marymount London?
A: Definitely the chance to bring liturgical dance into London’s Advent celebrations and to work with students across different year groups. The Thanksgiving Mass and liturgical dance pieces are always huge highlights for me in New York, so I can’t wait to see what we create here.
Introducing the Artist in Residence Programme
This new initiative launched in partnership between Marymount London and Marymount New York aims to:
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