Meet Harriet Waghorn

We recently connected with Harriet Waghorn and have shared our conversation below.

Harriet, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

My purpose is to connect people to each other, to their imaginations and to their body through art – whether this is dance, art, film or writing (this is a new venture for me 🙂

Growing up I have always had a tactile family. My mum worked as a massage therapist, I have a twin I spent my days crawling over and play fighting with, and two elder sisters who I would always cuddle up to. My body was always in conversation with someone else from a very young age. Because love and real bonds were at the centre of everything in my family I seek authenticity in everything I do. I have spent moments in my career where I have tried to do the 5,6,7,8 choreography but it isnt who I am. It has actually made it quite difficult to find my place hence why I started making my own work as soon as I finished training. Before dancing I studied History of Art and I loved the critical thinking behind it – it is great that I have been able to use these skills when I make work and think about what the impact of my work has, how i can draw on different art forms in my craft and it helps me to open the lens of my vision.

It was actually when I studied History of Art that I started ballroom dancing. I loved the sensuality, the rhythm and the partnership of it. I loved it so much that after getting my degree I went to Trinity Laban to study dance. Here I learnt Contact Improvisation (a style of dance in constantly connection with another) from the moment i started it was something that felt very natural to me and so I knew that after my studies I would want to bring contemporary and ballroom together somehow.

Being an artist, making my own work isn’t easy. But even in the moments when I have little money and/or time I always find a way to dance with others, to see Art, and to think creatively; And because it is the thing I always come back to I know it is my purpose.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am an international Dance artist, Director and Choreographer. My choreographic credits include Netflix, BFI, Sky Arts, Vice, Nowness and internationally exposed viral dance films ‘Abaddon’ and ‘Edifice’ which collectively have views of over 12 million. I am a pioneer in my hybrid movement language combining ballroom and contemporary dance. My work exudes passion, sensuality and connectivity in movement.

My journey has been one of continuous exploration, from performing on stage to collaborating with diverse artists and communities. I am now focusing on delving deeper into my craft by emphasizing partnership in dance, embracing the dynamic interplay of bodies in motion. Additionally, I am drawn to working across mediums, particularly integrating digital art and installation into my practice. This evolution reflects my desire to expand the possibilities of how dance can be experienced, offering immersive and transformative encounters for audiences.

I care deeply about a high standard of artistic execution and human connection. In 2025 I will be entering into a phase of creative expansion and curiosity, so you can expect to see more experiments in many artistic mediums including dance, film, digital works and writing. I will also be travelling Europe and the US next year working deeper into my movement practise, connecting with other artists and offering masterclasses – so sign up to the newsletter on my website to keep up to date and keep an eye on my socials.

www.harrietwaghorn.com
instagram.com/harrietwaghorn
twitter @harrywagxxx

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three areas of knowledge….
1. Figure out a way to do it yourself if nobody is offering.
I started my company EDIFICE Dance Theatre with Carmine De Amicis back in 2014. To it I had to learn how to produce, direct, create, edit, distribute film, create websites, finance a company, generate funding… – Not only do I now have these skills but I am autonomous when I want to be.

2. Create something digital. It is our world now, and visual narratives are the loudest thing in our daily life.

3. Be clear in your intentions, your values and your desires; but find community, listen to other artists and collaborate expansively.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

My biggest growth has come from my recent introspection…

1. Surround yourself with people that believe in you, including yourself.

2. Just start doing the thing you want to do, nobody else cares (I say this with love).

3. A significant lesson for me has been realizing that I am solely responsible for how my life unfolds. Excuses, resentments, and insecurities are not external problems tied to other people or situations—they exist within us. The moment we acknowledge this, we reclaim our power and can move forward with freedom, grace, and authenticity.

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