Kildare dancer who never sat Leaving Cert is reaching for the stars
In November 2022, Laura Hammond travelled to Los Angeles for six weeks of specialist dance training.
A Kildare dancer who did not sit the Leaving Certificate due to the Covid-19 pandemic is building an international career after performing in around 150 shows with entertainment company Bingo Loco.
Laura Hammond, from Newbridge, was part of the Leaving Cert class of 2020, when exams were cancelled and students were instead awarded calculated grades. She later spent two years studying business management, with her first year completed online during the pandemic.
Laura said: “I started dancing in Dancetones Studios in Co Kildare under Breda Kelly Lynch where I competed both nationally and internationally at a high level.
“My training then progressed onto Fly Dance Studio under Kerrie and Zacc Milne where I have performed in shows and stage performances such as World of Dance Ireland 2026 in The TLT Venue Drogheda this year.”
In November 2022, Laura travelled to Los Angeles for six weeks of specialist dance training.
On her return to Ireland in December 2022, she began working as a performer with Bingo Loco just one week later.
She has remained with the company since, performing at events across Ireland and abroad.
Alongside her performance work, Laura established her own dance school in February 2023, teaching students across Co Kildare and Co Carlow while continuing to perform professionally.
She is now looking to take the next step in her career and broaden her experience further internationally.
Laura’s journey reflects an alternative route into a creative profession, combining formal study, overseas training and professional performance without following a traditional academic path.
After initially studying business management, she ultimately followed her passion for dance, balancing teaching at home with an expanding performance career.