Born in Nigeria, the youngest of five
daughters born to a colonial family, Pippa returned to England when she was
nine years of age to attend an International vocational boarding school in Sussex
that specialised in dance, but with a particular emphasis on classical ballet.
It was during this period at boarding school that Pippa's talent for classical
dance was discovered, and was developed to such a level where she was able to
audition for and successfully gain a place at the Royal Ballet School in London.
Within a year of joining the School, and at the tender age of only 17,
her abilities were further recognised when she was fortunate enough to become
one of the youngest dancers to be accepted into the world famous London Royal
Ballet Company at Covent Garden, one of the most respected dance companies in
the world.
During her time with the Royal Ballet, Pippa quickly rose to the position of
senior soloist, working with some of the world's most talented choreographers
including Sir Kenneth MacMillan, Sir Frederick Ashton, David Bintley and Michael
Corder dancing leading roles in ballets such as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty,
Romeo and Juliet, Giselle and Cinderella, to name only a few.
She also considers herself fortunate to have known and to have danced with many
of the worlds most respected ballet stars including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Rudolph
Nureyev (his Lilac Fairy in Sleeping Beauty), Margaret Fonteyn, Sir Anthony
Dowell, Jonathan Cope and Monica Mason (current Director of the Royal Ballet).
Her career also gave her the opportunity to travel the world dancing in many
cities in many countries including the United States, Canada, South America,
Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Africa, Japan, China, Hong Kong and Korea.
Even today, some years after having left the world of ballet, Pippa can still
occasionally be seen on the 'Performing Arts Channel' dancing in past performances
with the Royal Ballet in various roles including Cinderella (Winter Fairy),
Romeo and Juliet (Rosaline), Swan Lake (a Big Swan) and La Fille Mal Gardee
(a Friend).
It was the years of dedication and discipline as a top ballet dancer that led
Pippa into the world of Pilates. The need to stay injury free was a strong
'driver' for Pippa and Pilates, unlike no other form of exercise or movement,
fulfilled that role perfectly with its proven combination of strength and flexibility.
For more than 18 years, Pippa has practiced the 'Pilates Method' whilst
living and working in London.
Pippa has now opened her own Pilates studio in Cliddesden, Hampshire where she can share her knowledge and experience of this vital form of exercise and movement with others.