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From Wishbone to World Stage: A Life in Performance, Purpose, and Passing It On with Helen Thom
Manage episode 491091594 series 3494341
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What happens when your childhood wish on a chicken wishbone shapes your entire life? For Helen Thom, that wish for ballet lessons at age six sparked a journey from passionate young dancer to transformative educator who has touched hundreds, if not thousands, of lives.
Helen's story unfolds with warmth and authenticity as she shares pivotal moments that shaped her path – from her mother noticing technical issues in her early training to her formative years at Bird College. "It was a real shock to the system," she recalls of professional training at just sixteen. "For about the first term, I was in bed by half past eight. I was absolutely knackered."
After years of performing across pantomimes, summer seasons, and cruise ships, Helen unexpectedly found herself teaching at New College Telford in 2001. What began as a stopgap revealed her true calling. Host David Watson, who was among her earliest students, provides a touching perspective on Helen's impact: "You don't often get to talk about yourself, so I thought this would be a really good opportunity to do that."
The conversation beautifully captures the ripple effects of exceptional teaching. At South Staffs College, where Helen now leads performing arts and music programmes, she fosters cutting-edge collaborations between disciplines – her dance students work with motion capture technology alongside games art students, while music students form the pit band. This innovative approach reflects her belief that today's creative professionals must be multi-skilled and open-minded.
Perhaps most meaningful is Helen's reflection on teaching's profound rewards: "I don't get satisfaction just from students who've gone into performing arts... they have done good things in life and forged other careers." Her genuine pride in helping young people navigate personal challenges alongside artistic growth exemplifies teaching at its most transformative.
Whether you're a performer, educator, or simply appreciate stories of finding unexpected purpose, Helen's journey reminds us that our greatest impact often comes when we put our best foot forward in directions we never anticipated. Join us for this heartwarming conversation about passion, persistence, and the beautiful legacy of nurturing others' talents.
southstaffs.ac.uk
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Chapters
1. Helen's Journey into Dance (00:00:00)
2. Professional Training at Bird College (00:10:51)
3. From Performer to Teacher (00:24:45)
4. Making a Difference at New College (00:34:50)
5. Finding Fulfilment at South Staffs College (00:51:13)
6. The Impact of Teaching Dance (01:06:17)
7. Pet Peeves and Cultural Confessions (01:13:22)
16 episodes
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