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
Guest Lyrical Elite Choreographer & Creative Director
Elite Team Costume Advisor
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 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 & SSDC Junior Choreographer & 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
Kitty O'Pray
[Resident SS Faculty]
Acro Dance Coach & 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 dance disciplines and having graduated from further training at The BRIT School; Kitty is now back at SS as Assistant Choreographer for our Lyrical Elite competition teams.
Having undertaken further training with AcroTrix; Kitty is now SS's resident Acro Dance Coach and cover teaches all classes for all disciplines.
Training
Sophie's Studio
BRIT School - Dance UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts
Miss Harriet
[Resident SS Faculty]
Miss Harriet is proudly our resident Ballet Mistress boasting three class levels working towards AIDTA Ballet syllabus grades.
T r a i n i n g
London Studio Centre - BA Hons. Theatre Dance
AISTD Imperial Classical Ballet Teacher