Dancer of the Month March & April

Becki Thomason

Hello, my name is Becki Thomason. I'm 19 and have been at Allesley for 17 years now! I started learning ballet and tap at the age of two, in what was then Mrs Pughe's back garden at her home in Butt Lane . I still have fond memories of ‘jumping' the stepping-stones that lead up to the studio. Now that I am older I can appreciate what dancing at Allesley has given me, a lot more than would at first be thought.

On the 24 th February 1989 (I was 3 years old), I made my first stage debut in Allesley's ‘Steps and Notes' festival showcase at the Butts. I can still remember being terrified during rehearsals of one of the senior numbers to ‘Thriller', which I believe Lizzie was in?

In July 1991 I took my Pre-Primary Tap exam and was awarded Highly Commended, the following December I took an exam in IDTA, the Lower Grade 1 and was awarded honours, for which we were given a shiny red badge which I still have. This obviously gave me the taste for more!

Competing in Festivals was something we always looked forward too even though we knew the rehearsals could be hard! I believe my first was in the Spring of 92, in which we entered a baby classical troupe called ‘When the Boat Comes In' and together with Alison Barnsley I also entered a classical duet fondly know as ‘Winters Playtime'. We were awarded first place in both, (I still have the certificate to prove it!)

Bec and Alison Barnsley (winters playtime duet)

As the years went on I carried on working hard at all disciplines, ballet, tap and jazz and kept coming home with good exam results and equally satisfying results at festivals. One night during a class at the studio Mrs Pughe told us about forthcoming auditions for the Pantomime at the Belgrade Theatre. She spoke to my mum who decided I could have a go, neither of us expecting anything to come of it as after all I was only 6.

Panto 2000 feat, Helen Grearson, Emily Hawgood and Sarah Newman

The auditions were daunting. A first round of singing and dancing then an anxious wait to hear if you were given a recall, went on from 9am to 4pm. It all paid off and I was given a part. I was partnered with Helen Grearson who was later to become one of my greatest friends.

Panto 1997 feat, Zoe Rzeznik and Katie Gardiner

I was really lucky and parts in the pantomimes at the Belgrade came regularly for me. The director Iain Lauchlan became a good friend as I appeared in 5 altogether. I got to work alongside some great people and kids who danced at Allesley who have gone on to have excellent careers Zoë, Alex, Chris, Lee and Emily to name a few!

Becki and Iain Lauchlan 1999

For some time I held a BBO Ballet Scholarship, I can still remember opening the letter as I had convinced myself I wouldn't get in! That was such a great experience and Concourse's were always brilliant fun even if we were a tad naughty!!.. we shall say no more about some ex-pupils and teachers for that matter taking me as a 7 year old to grab a sneakily ordered pizza through the college gate!

Alongside my dancing I worked hard at school. I finished with 7 A's and a B at GCSE, and 3 A grade A levels in Philosophy and Ethics, Design Technology and Art. I gained a place at university studying graphic design but after a couple of months realised I wasn't happy doing it (its not for everyone!).

More recently after working at Jumpin Jaks part time for 7months dancing to cheesy things like YMCA and Build Me Up Buttercup on the stage and bar, I have decided to reinstate my love of dancing. (its within everyone who started at Allesley and there is no denying that fact). I've danced in a music video for an up-and-coming singer with Liam, and other small things which all help with getting experience. I have just been told that I have got a place working at Alton Towers . A 7month contract in which I will play Bella from the Tweenies! I got the job after auditioning for the creator of the Tweenies and Director, Iain Lauchlan who gave me my first job as a child in Panto. It goes to show it really is who you know..!

Becki and Cousin Emily Collins at Family wedding 2004

I want to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Pughe, Lizzie and Alison for all the help, support, encouragement, guidance, knowledge and courage they have given me over the years. Being part of Allesley has made me a better person, and given me so many opportunities for a great childhood and many many great friends.

Thank-you Mrs Pughe and Congratulations on your 50 th Anniversary…

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