Dance school is one ‘little family’

Guardian Rose to dance teacher Rebecca Doona from pupil Alix Poxon, Rebecca is pictured recieving her rose from Alix watched by members of the dance school (w130124-2a)

Alix Poxon surprised her dance teacher Rebecca Doona with the rose at Rebecca’s Dance Studio in Carlton, before a recent dance lesson.

Rebecca said she had no idea that Alix and her mother Alison had secretly arranged for her to be presented with the Guardian Rose that night.

Rebecca said: “I couldn’t understand why Alix had arrived at the class with her mum and grandma. I thought something serious had happened.”

“I walked into the room and Alix asked if she could have a minute and then gave me the rose and gave a little presentation.”

“It was wonderful. I was crying.”

The 12-year-old wanted to give her dance teacher a rose for all that she does and for helping to create a real family feel at the school.

“She always encourages you to do your best and helps you out with any dance moves you are struggling with,” said Alix.

Her mum Alison said her daughter’s confidence has grown since she began dancing with Rebecca aged seven.

“Rebecca then set up her own dance school and Alix followed her there,” said Alison.

“She gives her lots of help and support with her dancing. She is lovely with all the children and gives them all confidence to have a go.”

“It’s like one little family at the dance school.”

Alix now attends five classes a week in ballet, tap, modern dance, street dance and contemporary and also helped her troupe win fourth place at a national competition in Blackpool.

Rebecca said Alix’s confidence has grown in the time she has known her.

“She is a lovely girl. She was struggling with her confidence and had sort of lost that love of wanting to go dancing,” said Rebecca.

“She came and has gone from strength to strength. She is one of our rising stars.”

“She comes to such a lot of classes and just excels in everything she does.”

Rebecca said the troupe, which Alix performed a solo in their performance of I Feel Pretty in Blackpool, have been invited back to perform at a prestigious gala in April.

She added: “There were 60 entries and we came fourth in the competition.”

“I’ve just heard that we have been invited back to perform at the winners gala. It’s such an honour.”