We’re incredibly proud of our alumni continuing to reach for the sun and who, in doing so, have become hugely successful in a wide range of fields. From Old Dragons capturing snow leopards on camera like Dan O’Neill (OD 2005), playing for England like Maia Bouchier (OD 2012), and making life-saving apps like Michael Dent (OD 2002), to our Junior Old Dragons making a difference, such as Anya Katanyutanon (OD 2021) who presented her research findings at the World Conference on Public Health (WCPH) and Leo Wilkin (OD 2022) who represented the NSPCC at a roundtable in 10 Downing Street.
Today, we hear from Tabitha Bingham (OD 2015), whose early interest in movement and the performing arts was first sparked during her time at The Dragon. What began as a practical choice to avoid winter sports gradually unfolded into a focused and fulfilling career in contemporary dance.
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I always loved the performing arts, theatre and movement, but my route into dancing was actually via gymnastics! When I was 8, having just joined the Dragon in E block, I started at an amazing gym club in Woodstock. It was a place where I felt confident and saw improvement from the efforts I was putting in. A few years later, I was able to choose dance as my school sport. If I’m being honest, I was always keen to avoid outdoor sports in the Winter Term! I opted for dance out of convenience, not realising that it would open an avenue which would transform my future. Following a workshop with Ballet Rambert, the school ballet teacher approached me saying that she thought I had potential and should start ballet classes. I started with the beginners’ lessons but my wonderful mentor, Gina Bale, believed in me and encouraged me to work at a higher level. Within a week I was attending the intermediate foundation classes and had begun to dance en pointe.
Headington School offered the option to take Dance GCSE and jettéd at the chance. After Summer school at the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), I discovered that Dance was an option at A level, and ended up in London every Saturday at RAD. My A level year being Covid was eventful, but it all turned out okay.
”I was given the opportunity to work with acclaimed choreographers such as Sir Richard Alston, ultimately, and to my complete astonishment, achieving a BA in Contemporary Dance with First Class Honours.”
I wasn’t sold on the idea that university was the right path for me, so I took a year out, and by then, the only thing I wanted to do was dance again. I decided this was what I needed to take to degree level. I applied for various Unis but saw that vocational degrees were also on offer at Conservatoires. Since I hadn’t been dancing for my whole life (I was a relatively late starter) I didn’t think this would be an option for me. Yet, with encouragement from my Mum I applied for three conservatoires, my mum’s words in my ears; “Well if they don’t accept you what have you lost? Nothing! But they might, you never know!” After many arduous rounds of online auditions (the pandemic again!) I was offered an unconditional place at my dream Conservatoire: Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. I spent the next 3 years dancing in thirteen beautiful studios from 9am to 5pm every day. I was given the opportunity to work with acclaimed choreographers such as Sir Richard Alston, ultimately, and to my complete astonishment, achieving a BA in Contemporary Dance with First Class Honours.
Whilst studying at Trinity Laban I met a teacher who was so supportive and really believed in me and my ambition! Upon graduation, he recommended me to a director, Thomas Guthrie, who was looking for a dancer for his upcoming opera. We performed the wonderful “Lucia Di Lammermoor” in an outdoor theatre within the beautiful grounds of Belcombe Court stately home. I was given the opportunity to meet such a variety of people working in the arts, I was made aware of roles I never knew existed and avenues which I’d never considered. To be given the chance to work professionally in the industry just one month after graduating is an experience I will cherish forever. In February, he contacted me again. This time I had to master puppetry, an art I discovered to be extremely precise. This work was “The Tales of Apollo and Hercules” for The London Handel Festival. Inspired by his music we brought a puppet to life on the stage. After five wonderful performances and audiences of hundreds we were awarded with positive reviews from many different newspapers and arts columns, including The Guardian, where I was lucky enough to receive a personal mention!
Whilst working professionally I have continued to dance in studios with renowned choreographers, teachers and companies. I was invited to take part in a workshop with The Merce Cunningham Trust exploring his methods and motivations. I also was lucky enough to participate in the RESET programme with Company Wayne McGregor, with whom I have dreamt of working with since I first started studying them at 16.
I’ll always remember Dr Norton, my Dragon Latin teacher, saying to me that he thought I had “Poise”. I realised then that this was the greatest compliment. Throughout my training and early career, this has resonated as an inspiration of how to be. Creative careers are challenging, but if you give it your all, you’ll always know you did your best to fulfil your dreams.
Tabitha Bingham (OD 2015)
Watch Tabitha’s Show Reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-Ft8Efyekc
Let us know what you’ve been up to since your Dragon Days, we’d love to share your story.
