Meet our SS Faculty
Sophie McEwan
Director & Founder
BA Hons. Theatre Dance - London Studio Centre
Sussex born Sophie started her professional Musical Theatre career at the age of 18 having been awarded a full scholarship to train at one of London's most prestigious Dance conservatories, London Studio Centre. Sophie trained professionally for three years in; Dance, Singing and Drama and graduated with a First Class BA Honours Theatre Dance Degree.
After graduating from LSC, Sophie worked on board P&Os superliner, the Oriana as their resident Principal Showgirl and Vocalist, here Sophie gained several leading roles in various Musical Theatre productions. Furthering her career, Sophie won the part of Liz in the Musical Chicago. Sophie’s career gathered pace as she went on to play her first principal role as Connie Burrelli in the award winning West End show, Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas and Christmas with The Rat Pack, at the age of 21. This show saw Sophie treading the boards in the West End, on Broadway and touring the UK, Europe and the USA, making several TV appearances whilst in America.
As luck would have it Sophie’s theatre career continued to soar as she went on to play Patsy in Crazy For You. Sophie’s biggest part yet saw the conclusion to her professional career, when she played villainess Lily St Regis opposite star Su Pollard in the musical production of Annie.
After many years of professional work Sophie had a passion for business that she wanted to tie in with her love and experience of Theatre and Performance. With this dream in mind Sophie retired from performing at 27 and opened the doors to Sophie's Studio in January 2013.
Ella McEwan
Lyrical Elite Creative Director and Choreographer
Most recently Ella has made for Katherine Howard - Six The Musical, Eliza Schuyler - Hamilton The Musical, Masters Of The Air for Apple TV, The Crown and has been in New York making for the new Wicked! film.
Ella's pastime passion pleasure is dance. She has danced competitively throughout her life and is trained in; classical ballet, jazz technique and achieved 100% in A-Level Dance.
Working alongside her sister, Sophie with SS's Lyrical Elite Teams is something Ella loves being a part of.
Training
London College Of Fashion - BA Hons. Costume for Film and Theatre
Nikki Sneesby
[Resident SS Faculty] SS Level 4 Commercial Dance Teacher & SSDC Assistant Choreographer and Creative Director
Nikki has trained at SS since the age of 10! Nikki has trained in all dance genres throughout her time at the dance school and has realised now that her strengths lay in Hip Hop / Commercial Dance and Choreography. Nikki is one of SS's greatest exports.
Training
Sophie's Studio
Chichester University - BA Hons. Dance Teaching
[Resident SS Faculty] SS Level 3 & 4 Lyrical & Jazz
Amy started dancing with Sophie as part of a competitive Acrobatics squad back in 2013.
Amy went on to compete in all of Sophie's Studio Elite Teams and then to train professionally at Wilkes Academy. Graduating in the Summer of 2023, Amy is now teaching in and around Sussex and is now our resident Level 3 & 4 Lyrical and Jazz Teacher.
Training
Sophie's Studio
Chichester College - BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts [Dance]
Wilkes Academy - BA Hons. Musical Theatre
Amy Louise Barry
[Resident SS Faculty] SS Acro Dance & Lyrical Elite Assist
Kitty is the reason Sophie's Studio delved into the Lyrical and Jazz competition scene back in late 2016. Our original Lyrical dance title winner and Ella Collection Sponsor. Kitty has trained extensively in all disciplines and having graduated from further training at The BRIT School where she has trained since Year 10, Kitty is back at SS, assisting with our Lyrical Elite Teams in rehearsals and choreography. Furthermore, Kitty will soon be undertaking further training to be SS's resident Acro Dance Coach. We are so honoured to have Kitty as the newest member of our faculty.
Training
Sophie's Studio
BRIT School - Dance UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts
Kitty O'Pray
Jordan Nesbitt
Guest Lecturer & Choreographer
Lyrical, Contemporary and Jazz Technique
Training
BRIT School - Dance UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts
Urdang Academy - BA Hons. Theatre Dance