Creative Artist Talk: Tyrone Singleton

We are always excited to welcome inspiring guests to our Creative Artist Talk series, offering our students the chance to learn from those who have carved out successful careers both within and beyond ballet.

This week, we were honoured to host Tyrone Singleton, former principal dancer at Birmingham Royal Ballet, who shared his journey from a young student to a celebrated figure in the world of dance.

Inspired by Carlos Acosta

Tyrone’s inspiration began early, with a pivotal moment during his time at White Lodge when he saw Carlos Acosta perform at the Royal Opera House. The experience reshaped his perception of male dancers:

Not just the way he looked, but the way he moved—it broke a mould in my mind.

Years later, as Artistic Director, Tyrone had the opportunity to work with Acosta, gaining invaluable insights from his childhood idol.

Training and versatility

Tyrone’s training took him from The Royal Ballet School to Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, where he was mentored by the esteemed Yarek Makhamedov and Errol Pickford. His education extended beyond ballet, incorporating jazz, musical theatre, and acting, all skills that would serve him throughout his career and contributed to his adaptability as a performer.

Joining Birmingham Royal Ballet

At just 17, Tyrone joined Birmingham Royal Ballet, under the direction of David Bintley, a rare opportunity for such a young dancer. Transitioning from student to professional was a thrilling yet challenging experience:

You go from being guided every step of the way to taking full autonomy over your career.

A legacy in performance

Tyrone became known for his powerful performances in Balanchine’s black-and-white ballets such as Agon and Violin Concerto, as well as in classic narrative works like Romeo and Juliet. He shared his thoughts on the depth required for dramatic roles:

 I feel like the counts and the steps are the skeleton of what you’re given, and you’re there to dress it with not just the form, but also the colour flavour on top of that. Your technique must be so secure that it allows you to be totally free in your performance. If you’re thinking about the steps, you haven’t fully immersed yourself in the character.

Celebrated partnerships

Among his many artistic partnerships, Tyrone speaks fondly of his work with Céline Gittins, with whom he performed Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Sleeping Beauty. He described their collaboration as an unparalleled shared experience:

Every partnership is a shared experience—physically, emotionally, and artistically, there’s nothing like it.

Final performance and life beyond the stage

Tyrone’s career at Birmingham Royal Ballet culminated in a standout performance in Black Sabbath The Ballet, marking the end of an era with the company. His departure opened a new chapter, one where he explored freelance teaching, acting, and other creative ventures.

What we do on stage is escapism for the audience. Whether through musicality, choreography, or narrative, we’re there to create something meaningful.

New creative opportunities

Since leaving Birmingham Royal Ballet, Tyrone has embraced new creative opportunities:

I’ve been exploring acting and recently worked on a ballet-themed comedy series for Amazon Prime. It’s a passion I’ve always wanted to pursue, and this project has been an exciting step forward.

Beyond acting, Tyrone enjoys sharing his experiences to inspire the next generation:

Giving back and speaking to young dancers is important to me. Completing that circle feels rewarding.

A passion for photography

Photography has been a constant in Tyrone’s life, influenced by his father’s own love for the art. He explained how ballet provided an incredible subject for his photography:

I picked up photography as a hobby when I was younger, and ballet provided an incredible subject—not just the beauty, but the grit and intensity behind the scenes. It became an outlet, a way to express and balance my creativity alongside my dance career. Now, it’s also a skill I can use professionally.

Overcoming challenges

Tyrone reflected on the challenges dancers face, including injuries and casting disappointments.

Injuries are part of the job. I had a major ACL injury that kept me out for a year. It was tough losing that momentum, watching peers progress while I was sidelined. But it gave me time to reflect, lean into my photography, and find my identity beyond just being a dancer.

On casting disappointments, he added:

It’s easy to take it personally, but sometimes it’s just about timing. There are only so many roles, and not getting one now doesn’t mean you won’t in the future. Keeping a broader perspective is key.

What it takes to succeed in a ballet company

When asked about the essential qualities of a great company member, Tyrone emphasized more than just technical skills:

Of course, you need strong technique, musicality, and artistry, but teamwork and attitude are just as important. Being reliable, collaborative, and having good energy makes a difference. Ballet is demanding, and the people around you become like family—you need to support each other.

Life after the company

Tyrone’s journey continues to inspire others as he shares his experiences with the next generation of dancers and artists. Transitioning from a career as a dancer to a new path can seem daunting, but as Tyrone explained, many valuable skills carry over.

I was fortunate to receive support through Dance Career Development (DCD), which helped me identify the skills I’d gained in ballet—skills that others may struggle to develop, like commitment, attention to detail, and resilience. In ballet, you’re constantly pushing for perfection, but moving into acting has shown me that it’s more about the journey than achieving flawlessness. I’ve learned that creativity thrives in imperfection.

His passion for storytelling, which began at Tring Park School, was further ignited through his experiences in ballet that encouraged expressive performance:

After an injury at age 23, I thought about what would happen if I could no longer dance, and I realised I’d be okay with that. It was freeing to know that the skills I’d developed as a dancer would help me succeed in other creative areas.

Tyrone’s inspiring journey continues to encourage young dancers to think beyond the stage and explore the many creative opportunities that lie ahead.

Thank you to Tyrone for speaking with our students, and to our 1st Year student interviewers, Maria Carolina Ferreira Gaspar and Ruben Garcia.