Sawyer McNamara
Dancer/Choreographer

Originally from Alpena, Michigan, Sawyer McNamara is a Chicago-based dancer, choreographer, and instructor. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Western Michigan University, along with a Certificate in Dance Studio Management, in Spring 2023. During her time at Western, Sawyer performed works by Seyong Kim, Monique Haley, Jeremy Blair, Kaitlyn Pollock, Kiki Lucas, Katy Copeland, and Kimberly Cooper of Decidedly Jazz Danceworks. In addition to notable performances, Sawyer also served as a company member of Western Dance Project (2022-2023) under the direction of Kelsey Paschich.

Following graduation, Sawyer apprenticed with ConteXture Dance Detroit and performed as a guest artist with Alluvion Dance Chicago. She currently works as a guest artist with The Rooted Space Company and is a company member of Trifecta Dance Collective.

In addition to performing and life as a company member, Sawyer has also found creative expression through choreography. Her work has been showcased at Western Michigan University’s Student Dance Concert (2022), Winter Gala Dance Concert (2023), the Modern American Dance Company’s Dare to Dance Festival (2024), Alluvion Dance Chicago’s Emergence Festival (2024), Trifecta Dance Festival (2025), and as part of the Western Dance Project repertoire. Her choreography, as well as her effort as a movement educator, has also been shared with younger generations of dancers across Michigan, Illinois, and Panama.