Tara Quborsi | DESSC Alumna

My journey at DESSC completely shaped me into the person I am today. The amount of Performing Arts experiences that I was able to take part in throughout my time at DESSC was just outstanding. I was always in awe at the endless opportunities I was offered within the Drama and Music departments. I feel an immense gratitude for all the extra involvements that I had access to beyond the classroom. All these experiences have already become special memories to me, depicting the valuable and positive impact that DESSC has imprinted on my secondary school recollections. Performing at DESSC helped sculpt my passionate persona where I learnt my true desire for performance and to continue my development in acting.

A major challenge I faced during my school journey was my anxiety. What's impactful about my journey is just how much my involvement
within the Drama department and all the extracurricular opportunities I took part in really helped me to overcome my anxiousness. I remember completing my first ever assessed monologue performance at the start of Year 10, in the black box studio room with the curtains drawn, the warm spotlights shining down centre stage in front of a small audience. But as soon as I started to act, I became the most me. I was able to just be in the moment, be in the room and act. The somewhat intimidating room suddenly became a space where I felt safe. That vivid memory sticks out to me as it encouraged me to pursue more acting opportunities that the department offered, as I was eager to perform more once I knew that I had the confidence and reassurance of my first performance to do so. I also remember when London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) acting exams were introduced to the College; I started on grade three and continued all the way up to grade eight. These exams really helped me overcome my anxieties and improved my stage confidence further. Attending LAMDA acting and musical theatre classes every Monday after school was always a highlight of my week, as I was able to creatively work towards a goal of an exam each year and this prepared me for my future GCSE and A level drama performances.

An exceptional experience that I had outside the classroom was my involvement with the DESC Chamber Choir. I joined the choir in Year 11 (I wish I joined sooner!) and ever since joining I was surrounded by amazing performance opportunities. One of my proudest moments was singing for the BBC Proms alongside the BBC both 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' and 'Gladiator' Live at the Opera House, an experience offered to me through taking part in Chamber Choir. I also had the honour of singing annually at the Remembrance Service at the British Embassy and the Veterans Poppy Ball, being able to represent the College proudly.

Another exceptional experience that I achieved throughout my time at DESSC was playing Dorothy in the production of 'The Wizard of Oz' whilst I was in Year 12. This was my first ever lead role in a musical and I was completely supported and encouraged every step of the way. I enjoyed collaborating across all year groups and I felt it was important to remain an approachable role model to younger peers. A challenge I faced during the production was that I completed the week of performances without knowing I had a slightly fractured foot. The show was able to go on as I had immense support from teachers and peers, and I was able to proudly persevere through with commitment. A key value that I took away from this role was the resilience to keep going and even if you don't always fully believe in yourself, the peer support around DESC throughout these extracurriculars will really encourage you to think otherwise. Another school production that vividly stands out is my taking part in West Side Story during my last year of school before the pandemic. Even though this didn't get to be performed on stage, the everlasting memories made throughout the rehearsal process and community bond are still valuable to me; the soundtrack is so nostalgic to me now from these lasting moments of my final school year.

I have treasured memories of the extraordinary Performing Arts trips that I was lucky to take part in. The Visual Performing Arts London trip that was offered was just incredible. The opportunity to travel as a drama cohort seeing many amazing plays and musicals, as well as taking part in workshops with West End professionals and esteemed Performing Arts schools, was just unforgettable. I was also lucky enough to attend the Performing Arts Disneyland Paris trip in which I volunteered as a helper for their showcase. I helped during their weekly rehearsals for their show as part of my DofE (Duke of Edinburgh) volunteering where I was given a glimpse of the theatre industry from a different perspective of teaching. I also enjoyed watching Othello at the Dubai Opera House with my Drama class as well as travelling to Sharjah Performing Arts Academy for engaging theatre workshops. Similarly, the introduction to Arts Ed International throughout my last year was an exciting process to see as a leading arts school helped the amazing Drama department.

Additionally, a standout, treasured memory I have is receiving my IGCSE award for the highest mark in Drama across the UAE. I wouldn't have been able to achieve this honourable award without the brilliant Performing Arts teachers and support I had within the Drama department at DESSC. I really was offered some of the best teaching, making my whole Drama GCSE and A level experiences enjoyable as well as shaping me into the performer I am now. This was a very special achievement for me as it cemented my self-belief in my capabilities in acting.

These collective extra experiences from my time at DESSC have benefitted me as a young adult by how much it guided me during my school journey. The resilience and motivation I learnt through my LAMDA exams and choir rehearsals helped influence my perseverance during the past two years at University during the pandemic. The many skills and wider knowledge that I gained through my DESSC experience have helped me grow and, most importantly, find my absolute life passion for performing. There is no possibility that you'd be able to go through a DESSC journey without amazing opportunities around every corner.