MBE for Leeds dancer who has dedicated 25-year career to Northern Ballet

Samantha Pippa Moore said it was an "immense honour" after she received an MBE for services to dance.

Pippa, 47, of Headingley, joined Northern Ballet as a 21-year-old dancer in 1996.

She progressed through the ranks to become premier dancer in 2009.

Pippa, who was renowned for her technical skill and talents as an actress, gave powerful and memorable performances.

She created many roles in some of Northern Ballet’s most popular original ballets including Young Cathy in Wuthering Heights; Wendy in Peter Pan; Clara in The Nutcracker and Stepmother in Cinderella.

Pippa's role as Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream earned her a nomination for outstanding female artist (classical) at the 2004 Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards.

After 23 years as a dancer with Northern Ballet, Pippa retired from the stage in June 2019.

Her final role was as Older Princess Beatrice in Cathy Marston’s Victoria, which was broadcast on the BBC and in cinemas nationwide and won the South Bank Sky Arts Award for Dance in 2020.

Pippa now works as an artistic and learning assistant for Northern Ballet and works closely with the Academy of Northern Ballet, providing invaluable guidance for young ballet students.

Pippa said: "It is an immense honour to be recognised in Her Majesty The Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to dance.

"I am so grateful to have had the long performing career that I had and since retiring, being able to focus on giving back, working with all those who wish to learn and engage with dance, regardless of age, ability or background.

"My heartfelt appreciation goes out to the colleagues, staff, friends, family and supporters who have shared this journey with me and made it possible.

"This award reflects Northern Ballet’s achievements, not just my own.

" I am extremely proud to be a part of the company and I hope I can continue to make a positive contribution to the world of dance, which I believe is for everybody.’

Northern Ballet’s artistic director David Nixon OBE supported Pippa’s nomination.

He said: "I was delighted to hear this extraordinary news - an honour that Pippa is very worthy of receiving.

"Her achievements in dance and her contribution over a very long career set her aside as a unique artist.

"Pippa has played an integral part in the development of many of our ballets, leaving an incredible legacy for other dancers.

"Her work across our academy, the company and our learning department is invaluable, sharing generously her experience and wealth of knowledge to a new generation.

"I am absolutely thrilled for her."