Philippa McMeechan-Principal

Philippa’s early training was with Alexandra Barnes and Kathleen Yates, and in this time she studied ISTD Imperial, Cecchetti and RAD ballet, in addition to Modern, Tap, National and Repertoire.  In 1980 she received a ‘Special Commendation’ from Joyce Percy at the Imperial Society Classical Ballet Award Finals, and in 1982 Philippa was placed 2nd in the annual Cecchetti Society Mabel Ryan Award at the Barbican.  In 1984 Philippa danced a classical solo at the Dominion Theatre London, as part of a selected children’s performing arts ensemble.  From 1980 – 1985, Philippa was awarded scholarships with the Cecchetti society to attend weekly classes in London, following which she furthered her training at the Central School of Ballet in London, dancing the 2nd year Contemporary solo at the annual performance at the Embassy Theatre in 1986.  She went on to tour nationally with Ballet Central, performing a wide range of classical and contemporary ballets.

In 2003, Philippa was invited by the Head of St Edmunds College to join St Edmunds Prep school, as the dance teacher.  Following this in 2004, Philippa joined the staff at Duncombe School where she currently leads the Early Years and Key Stage 1 dance programme.  Philippa has also worked for the renowned Vacani School, which until recently, was chosen by the Royal Family for their dance tuition.

Having established The Buntingford Dancing School in 2002, Philippa’s aim is to combine the roots of her early training with other dance forms and theatrical experiences to inspire her young pupils.

Philippa holds ‘Associate’ and ‘Diploma in Dance Education’ qualifications with the ISTD, is an ‘Associate’ member of the IDTA, and is a qualified Montessori teacher.