Tegan Walmsley

Could you tell us a bit about yourself, your background, or anything you think is relevant? 

I started street dancing when I was 7 and danced competitively into my teens. I got scouted for the Dance City Centre CAT (Centre for Advanced Training). We did ballet, contemporary and other creative projects there. It was quite intense, but I learned loads. That really solidified for me that I want to study dance at degree level.  

 Why did you choose to study for a degree at Newcastle College University Centre? 

In 2022 I moved to Manchester to start studying for my Dance degree, but I moved home after my first year due to family circumstances. I wanted to finish my studies and stay within the local area, so I began to look for dance degrees in the area.  

I chose this degree because it offers a much wider variety of styles of dance, compared to other universities. I'd spoken to a few of my friends who have studied here, and they said that as part of the course you do a lot of performances, workshops and work with industry, all things I was looking for! 

What are the facilities like at the University Centre for your course, and more broadly as a student?  

The dance studios are really spacious, and Peter Sarah Theatre is great! All the floors are sprung so they’re ideal for what we need. 

I also really like the HE Hub. It's a great place to get your work done with no distractions and I like it's all University Centre students. It’s nice to have our own space. 

Tell us about how you have worked with industry whilst studying your degree (i.e. talks / live briefs / projects). 

As part of our final grade this year, we have to complete 100 hours of industry-based activities. It's 50 hours internal, 50 hours external. The activities that you choose to complete have to be varied and at different venues so you can't just go to the same place over and over again. The whole point of it is to challenge you and expand your network. 

For mine, I've seen some shows such as ‘And Juliet’, ‘Heathers’ and ‘Hairspray’. 

The lecturers also took us on a trip to see a show called ‘Reincarnation’ at the Theatre Royal. We also had a workshop with the dancers, and we observed their rehearsal process. That was interesting to see, and it gives you an insight into how dancers actually work.  

We've also done two mock auditions with a company called Timeless Entertainment. They were full-day mock auditions like it would be in real life. We got a little number and did a range of dance styles, and then they called people back. Last year, they booked some students for a job. 

I’ve also taken part in aerial lessons here at the University Centre. Before doing this degree, I wouldn't have done aerial but this module forces to try new things and I actually really enjoy it.  

This degree allows you to meet practitioners and performers within the industry. They act as a source of inspiration in the hope to go on to bigger and better things. 

What do you enjoy most about your degree? 

I personally enjoy the theoretical side; I like researching why we do the things we do. For my dissertation, I'm going to look at the cognitive skills that you develop in dance.  

My favourite module is PPC (Professional Practise Company). Our Level 6 group forms a company as part of the module. We all take on roles like choreographers, facilitators etc. As one of the facilitators, you can complete a 40-hour placement in an external environment. For example, you could go into a community dance school or a care home. I do mine in a secondary school and that's good because it gives you hands-on experience and a chance to build your network. 

How would you describe the staff at the University Centre?  

The staff are knowledgeable and helpful. They’re always there to help you and do everything they can to help you succeed. 

What's been the highlight of studying your studying here? 

Liv Quantrill came in and did a workshop with us. She is dancer and choreographer who's done loads of work within the dance industry. She did all the Britain's Got Talent live shows, and she now runs the entertainment at the Purple Peacock. We did an intensive week with her and that was like being in the industry because she was like treating us as if we were employed dancers. I felt like we all learned a lot from that. 

In what ways do you think that the Newcastle College University Centre has prepared you for? 

For my PPC module, I chose the facilitation pathway, which means that I'm getting hands on experience teaching teenagers and I’m also teaching BTEC students here at the College and creating a piece with them. When I leave, I’m going to study a PGCE in Biology and teach at secondary level, so this is very relevant to me. It sounds like a random deviation from dance, but I feel the facilitation pathway has helped me understand different teaching styles and learning styles! I think that's a great foundation to go into my PGCE with.  

Even though I don’t plan to go into dance in employment, I still feel like the skills it has taught me resilience, confidence, lesson planning and networking will help me in any career I choose to go into. 

Describe your student experience in three words. 

Engaging. Collaborative. Challenging.  

What are your top tips for studying at Newcastle College University Centre? 

1. Try everything and anything (I’d never tried aerial and now I like it!).
2. Be confident.
3. Work hard.