Isabel Tamen

Executive Director, Richard Alston Dance Company (March 2009–present)

After ten years away from The Place, it feels like I’m returning home. The company that I helped to form is now established as one of the most successful in the country, touring all over the UK, the US and elsewhere. And this time, I’m not a dancer but the Executive Director. It’ll be a challenge, but I’m up for it.

General Manager, Henri Oguike Dance Company (1999–March 2009)

Forming a company from scratch is very exciting as well as extremely hard work. Henri Oguike Dance Company celebrated its tenth birthday with performances at Southbank Centre in March, and I feel very proud of what we’ve achieved in those years. The experience has confirmed my belief that with a great team of people around you, you can accomplish almost anything.

Education Officer, Sakoba (2000–2002)
This job gave me new insight into education work, a hugely important part of any dance company’s provision. Working with an African dance company also broadened my horizons.
Trainee Manager, Independance (1999–2000)
A fantastic experience and a particularly intense year for me, since I had to learn a lot extremely quickly, whilst coping with pregnancy for the first time. I was ready to change career paths, but I didn’t fancy having to retrain in an institution. Learning ‘hands on’ from an experienced dance manager, very much in vogue for management training these days, was quite a new idea at the time. I knew the world of dance from a performer’s point of view (which was an advantage since I knew what dancers wanted and needed), but not as their manager. Working with Tim Tubbs gave me the right foundations for what I still do and preach today.
 

Dancer, Richard Alston Dance Company (1994–1999)
London Contemporary Dance Theatre closed in 1994, and at the same time Richard Alston Dance Company – a smaller ensemble – was formed. I was one of the lucky dancers asked to join the new company and Richard made us all feel part of another happy family. 
Dancer, London Contemporary Dance Theatre (1988–1994)
This was the company I had always dreamt of joining. As students we shared studios at The Place with the London Contemporary Dance Theatre, and we would all try to peek in at their rehearsals. I worked with so many wonderful choreographers and dancers, and – not for the first or last time – felt very fortunate to be part it.
Dancer, Images Dance Company (1986–1988)
This company was formed by a group of students as we graduated from London Contemporary Dance School, so I was working with lots of my friends. Everyone had to pitch in and duties went way beyond being just a dancer. I learnt a lot and went on tour to wonderful places both in the UK and abroad. But most of all, I had great fun.