Phillip McClintock

🪔 About

Phillip McClintock, a renowned Guyanese dancer of African heritage, became a master of Kathak, an Indian classical dance form. His talent led to an invitation from the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana to study Indian Dance in India. McClintock spent four years in India, specializing in Kathak and performing at numerous shows, during which he also became fluent in the language. He was a student of the Indian Cultural Centre and completed a dance scholarship in India. Upon his return to Guyana, McClintock dominated the national dance stage for over a decade, from the 1970s into the mid-1980s. He was widely admired for his ability to master Indian dances, particularly Kathak, despite his African heritage. He frequently shared the stage with another prominent Kathak dancer, Gora Singh, creating a "fusion" that captivated appreciative audiences at venues like the National Cultural Centre. McClintock was considered the only Guyanese dancer who could equal Nadira, his dance partner on many national shows, in Kathak. Beyond his performance career, McClintock also contributed significantly to dance education in Guyana. He became the director of the National School of Dance, holding this position from 1983 until his death in 1986. In this role, he was instrumental in developing a unique Guyanese dance style by amalgamating various dance forms. He taught many students, including teachers of the National School of Dance and advanced-level students who went on to perform in the Caribbean and North America. Phillip McClintock passed away on September 8, 1986. His death marked a significant loss for the Guyanese dance scene, with many noting that the excitement of Kathak dance in the country had not been the same since. For his contributions, he was awarded the Medal of Service (MS). Awards & Honours: Medal of Service.