Profile of Monica Needham
Monica
had her first Ballroom Lesson at the age of 15 with Jack Hartley
at a small studio in Clapham Junction. She fell in love with
dancing from her very first lesson. When she saw an inspirational
demonstration by Alf Davies and Julie Reaby it seemed that
dancing would be her destination.
She
quickly took all her Ballroom and Latin medals and in 1955
her teacher took her to see the International Championships
at the Royal Albert Hall which was such a thrill for her.
That year a young man from the North of England made the final
of the Ballroom Championships, and finished in 5th place -
his name was Michael Needham who was then dancing with Pamela
Curtiss. After the competition, Jack her teacher said to her
‘That is the young man you should dance with’.
Such luck could not come her way so she carried on dreaming.
Jack’s studio name was Gray’s School of dancing.
Monica
soaked up as much information as she could and when she was
seventeen she turned Professional, and took up a post at the
main studio of the Victor Sylvester Dance Studios. She gained
invaluable experience in teaching beginners classes where
they had 200 students, medal work, and childrens’ Saturday
morning classes where again they had approximately 250 pupils
during the morning. Those were the days!
During
her time at the studio a friend told her that Michael Needham’s
partnership had split up and that he was looking for a new
partner. Monica met Michael - and that was it, for life. Her
teacher’s premonition had come true.
Monica
worked very hard to reach a better standard in her own dancing,
always watching the top lady dancers such as Doreen Casey,
Christine Norton and Doreen Freeman. Just watching these lady
champions she learnt so much.
Michael
and Monica put in many dedicated hours during the 60’s
and soon travelled the world demonstrating and competing,
winning most National Championships, and culminating with
the honour of being runners up in the British, International,
World, as well as the European Championships. They eventually
retired in 1970, in order to enjoy a most wonderful event
- the birth of their children, Christopher and Samantha.
At
this time they had their own studio in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire,
where they had most of the top couples in the world visiting
their beautiful studio. They had demonstrations every month,
running team matches, competitions and also social, medallists
and children classes. Hundreds of pupils took their exams
with the Imperial Society over the years.
In
February 1970 Monica and Michael received the Carl Allan Award
for Outstanding Couple from Prince Charles.
In
1974 Michael was made an examiner for the ISTD which was a
very proud moment for him. Sadly in 1979 Michael died of cancer
and Monica kept the studio running until 1986 when other commitments
made it impossible to keep it going.
A
very thrilling moment for Monica was that she was also made
an ISTD examiner in 1982 which position she is still enjoying.
Monica
feels that she has a privileged and fulfilling life as she
is still involved in the competition scene.
Monica
and Michael’s son Christopher has a wonderful feeling
for music and took all his medals but does not want to compete.
Samantha won the Juvenile Latin American International Championships
at the Royal Albert Hall in 1980 aged ten.
by
Theresa Jordan
Above
picture: Michael and Monica receiving the Carl Allen Award
for Outstanding Couple in February 1970.
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