Female Influencers Spring 2018: Amanda Philipp

Our Community is full of Fierce Females who are not afraid to take risks, dream big, and collaborate to make things happen. Among the next few pages, read the stories of local women who are influencing our community in impactful ways. Join us in celebrating the many outstanding entrepreneurs, influencers, history makers, and community builders who are making Kennett Square such a wonderful place to live.

Amanda Philipp, owner of Longwood Performing Arts, has been finding joy and pursuing her passion for dance at this studio since she was two years old. She returned here to teach after college, and when the previous owner, Jane Roosevelt, decided to retire she approached Philipp about taking over. Because Longwood Performing Arts had such a profound effect on her childhood and her career path, Philipp says she found it an easy decision to make.

For the past three years, Philipp has been continuing the longstanding traditions of the studio, “to not only teach dance technique, but also to build confidence, inspire creativity, and give students a community where they can create lasting memories.” One of her dreams is to explore further how to bring opportunities for dance to different groups of children who, due to physical, financial, or various other restrictions, may not have otherwise been exposed to the arts. “I have always believed that everyone should have the opportunity to dance,” she says.

While many people believe that careers in the arts have limited success, Philipp says, she’s always been passionate about the performing arts and wanted to fulfill a lifelong dream and pursue a career in dance. “With a lot of hard work, dedication, and the right team,” she says, “I have been able to achieve the goals I set for myself and Longwood Performing Arts.”

Philipp loves to see other female business owners and leaders in the community setting a strong example for younger generations and encouraging them to pursue their goals. It’s important for all women, she says, to “have the courage and conviction to stick to your decisions and principles.”

Above all, Philipp wants her students to develop a lifelong passion for dance and pass it on to their children and grandchildren. “I would like my students to look back on their time at Longwood Performing Arts with fondness as they remember the friendships, memories onstage and in the classroom, and lessons learned,” she says.