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diddi dance on the Importance of Physical Activity for Under 5s

April 12, 2018 by Rebecca

As a parent we all know how important it is for our children to be physically active but did you know that such habits could be set by the age of 5?

How children view activities and classes at an early age can impact how they continue to view them into later life. Therefore, classes in the preschool market are key to get involved in so toddlers can be inspired to see an activity as engaging, encouraging and most of all FUN while as a parent we can see the health and educational benefits behind them.

Sports, music and drama are fantastic activities to get involved in for this age group however our passion is for dancing. Moving to music is a natural instinct when you are a baby and we believe dance is a great non-competitive, gender-neutral way of getting very young children physically active.

One great benefit of your little one attending a dance class is the active brain development they will receive from it. The development of the brain is most rapid within the first 3 years of a child’s life, so by taking part in an activity that encourages repetition, which is how the brain learns and improves, your child will develop at a faster pace. As well as repetition being important for brain development, crossing the midline is also a helpful task. By performing multiple movements throughout a class that go across the body from right to left but also explore top to bottom and front to back – all of which are midlines – children are encouraging the connection between the brain and the body.

Dance not only helps with brain development but also with core physical skills such as hand/eye coordination and gross & fine motor skills. It also encourages creativity, spatial awareness and language/speech development. Dance also helps build confidence, too. Many parents don’t realise how important it is to start building their little one’s confidence from an early age, however the Government’s standards set for the Early Year’s Foundation Stage Framework state that from birth to the age of 5 a child’s development through socialisation is vital for them to fulfil their potential in later life. Dance is perfect for this through repetition, sharing and close contact with others – both their age & older. This is also a key part of Ofsted’s readiness for school provision.

Being physically active also promotes a healthy lifestyle. Childhood obesity is still very high and with the UK Government launching a campaign to encourage physical activity from early years, instilling a schedule of activities where children are encouraged to burn off energy in a safe & fun environment will help set the habit of being active naturally rather than forced. They will see it as enjoyable and then more likely to always want to be active and keep fit as they grow up.

Anne-Marie started diddi dance classes back in 2003 when she saw a gap in the market for funky dance classes, encouraging boys as much as girls with different dance styles apart from ballet. Classes are delivered in an age-appropriate way, encouraging even the shyest of children, over time, to participate and engage with moving to music. Parents and carers stay in our classes and this is key to children’s confidence growing plus they then not only get used to engaging with other children but other adults, as well. We also take into account all aspects of development children need to be receiving at their young age and make sure our classes are utilising all key areas for brain and physical development.

Dance is great for the whole family and if you can’t get to or find a class locally for your preschooler then there are lots you can do at home:

Play music regularly – Children have a natural love for music and will start to develop a sense of rhythm by listening to different types of music regularly. The music will also give them the freedom to start moving and grooving along to their favourite songs. We have some original diddi dance music you can purchase from our website or iTunes if you are wanting something age appropriate but different from nursery rhymes.

Watch dance on TV or YouTube – Children often copy and mimic the actions they see from others, especially when they watch the bubbly and enthusiastic presenters on children’s TV shows. There are plenty of children’s channels and programmes that include dance so encourage them to watch these and dance along. We also have a diddi dance YouTube channel with fun video clips featuring specific dance moves from our theme dances.

Try some basic moves – By showing your little ones some basic moves such as clapping, marching or stamping whilst waving, moving will become easier for them. By isolating body parts, for example, just moving shoulders up and down or wiggling your hips children will begin to explore different movements while building their co-ordination skills. On our Facebook page, we explore one basic move each week to help toddler both in and out of class perfect it!

Use props – Give your young ones something to dance with – an instrument such as a tambourine or toy guitar or props like pom poms or hula-hoops. Using instruments to shake, tap or bang along to the beat will help them to pick up the rhythm and props will help them to enhance and exaggerate their movements.

So why not have your toddler pick their favourite songs, get on your feet with them and get everyone moving to the beat! If you are wanting to join a local diddi dance class then book your FREE trial today!

Filed Under: Classes, diddi dance, Free Trial, Get children moving! Tagged With: Featured

New diddi dance classes – April 2018

April 6, 2018 by Rebecca

We at diddi dance wanted to be sure you know about all the new classes launching across the UK in April 2018 and some classes that started in February & March that you might be interested in knowing about also! The list below is from North to South in the UK.

diddi dance Lancaster, Preston & Kendal, email Nicola for further information:

  • Starting 17th April, Tuesdays @ 11:15am – Kendal Leisure Centre, Burton Road, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 7HX
    There is also a 1:30pm class on a Friday at the same venue

diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington, email Rebecca for further information:

  • Started 28th February, Wednesday @ 11.00am – Pipsqueaks Play Cafe, Orrell Road, Orrell Wigan WN5 8QZ

diddi dance North Shropshire, Wrexham & North West Stoke-on-Trent, email Emma for further information:

  • Starting 25th April, Wednesdays @ 9.30am – Sundorne Games Hall, Sundorne Road, Shrewsbury SY1 4RG

diddi dance Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Sutton Coldfield & North Walsall, email Natalie & Dawn for further information:

  • Starting 15th April, Sundays @ 10:45am – Mere Green Community Centre, Sutton Coldfield B75 5BT

diddi dance North & Central Leeds, email Julia for further information:

  • Started 26th March, Mondays @ 11:00am – Pool Village Hall, Arthington Lane, Pool in Wharfedale, LS21 1LG

diddi dance Oxford & Surrounding, email Tatiana for further information:

  • Started 28th February, Wednesday @ 10.00am – Botley, West Way, Oxford, OX2 9
  • Started 1st March, Thursdays @ 9.45am – Littlemore Community Centre, Giles Road , Oxford, OX4 4NL

diddi dance West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, Marlow and Tadley, email Lisa for further information:

  • Starting 16th April, Mondays @ 10.30am – John Cumber Hall, High Street, Theale, RG75AN
    Limited parking outside the venue, plenty along high street or local car parks are a short walk away.

diddi dance West London, email Gina for further information:

  • Starting 17th April, Tuesdays @ 9.30am – The Corner House, 102-104 Shepherds Bush Rd, Hammersmith, London W6 7PD
    Class held downstairs – secure buggy park upstairs

diddi dance London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, email Mona for further information:

  • Started 1st March, Thursdays @ 10:30am – Pandemonium Toy Store, 125 Sheen Lane, East Sheen, SW14 8AE

diddi dance Mid & East Surrey, email Nadine for further information:

  • Started 1st March, Thursdays @ 11.15am – Sports Direct Fitness Epsom – 27 Ruxley Lane, Epsom, Surrey KT19 0JB
Why not book your FREE trial for one of these new classes today! Visit our Contact Page to get in touch with your local diddi dance now.
We hope your toddler can join us for our next theme – COUNTRY!!!

Filed Under: Classes, diddi dance, Franchisees, Free Trial, Get children moving!, Local News, National News, Spring

diddi dance Franchisee wins at 2018 mumandworking awards

March 26, 2018 by Rebecca

The winners in the prestigious 2018 mumandworking Awards were recently revealed in an inspiring, high-rofile ceremony, as hosted by NatWest, and Charlotte Foxley from diddi dance North Essex & South Suffolk was amongst them!

These pioneering awards were launched over 8 years ago to celebrate the UK’s leading lights in the world of flexible working – those amazing and inspiring individuals, businesses, charities and networks demonstrating and showcasing how working practice and family-life can go hand in hand with huge potential benefits for all involved.

Charlotte Foxley from diddi dance North Essex & South Suffolk was revealed as the winner in the Franchisee of the Year category. Several categories were judged by a panel of leading business women, very familiar with the challenges juggling a family and a career can bring. Susannah Schofield OBE, said this about Charlotte “I loved her ethics and passion to deliver the franchise above and beyond, more than just about making money however – Charlotte runs her business to make a difference”.

Charlotte said: “Winning Franchisee of the Year at the mumandworking awards was just such an honour and a BIG surprise! I am just so proud of what I have done with diddi dance in the 2.5 years since I opened. Thank you to everyone who has been to one of our classes, booked us for a party, had a demo and to all the nurseries and pre-schools who we see throughout the year. I am especially proud of the launch last year of our special needs only classes which are now available after school and during the holidays for children with additional needs up to age 8.’’

Never has the importance of flexible working been so documented. ‘Mumpreneurs’ continue to generate billions for the UK economy, supporting in excess of 200,000 jobs and while we have witnessed significant positive changes in government policy towards flexible working in recent years, there’s still a long way to go. Research in 2016 suggested improvements in flexible working opportunities for mums would enable and empower huge numbers to return to the workplace with the potential to generate a massive £60+ billion boost to the UK economy.

Organisers were delighted therefore at the wealth and standard of the submissions for this year’s awards, which were run with media partner Key Women in Business. Hundreds of nominees entered, across 14 exciting categories ranging from ‘Flexible Business of the Year’, to ‘Inspiring Business Parent’ with special categories for bloggers, team members, franchisors and technology and innovation. 2018 saw the highest number of finalists ever plus a record number of votes from throughout the UK.

Suzanne Borrell, Events Director for mumandworking.co.uk concluded:

‘The wealth of nominations, the thousands of votes, our esteemed VIP judging panel and the range of nominees reflects the significant and growing support for the promotion of flexible working. The really exciting news is that so many finalists seem to have used the event as a springboard – they made amazing connections, were inspired to tackle something new or take on a challenge or just dared to dream bigger. So this isn’t just about one day – but what happens next – and we are privileged to be involved. Huge congratulations to all our finalists on their success!”

Filed Under: Awards, Celebrate, Classes, diddi dance, Franchisees, Franchising, Local News, National News Tagged With: Featured

diddi dance Shortlisted for 2018 Top Franchise Awards

March 26, 2018 by Rebecca

For the third year running diddi dance Franchising has been shortlisted in the WorkingMum Top Franchise Awards.

The Awards, sponsored by HSBC and Encouraging Women into Franchising, recognise franchisors both big and small who have empowered women in business – not only by providing a successful flexible business model, but by giving franchisees the advice and support they need to succeed. There is also an award celebrating the achievements of franchisees which is voted for by the public. Voting is open until 1st April and so far around 4,000 people have voted.

This year we are shortlisted in two of the six categories – Supportive Franchisor Awards & Family Friendly Franchise Award. We previously won the Family Friendly Franchise Award in 2016 so would love to win both awards this year after being nominated for them both last year.

The 2018 Top Franchise Awards winners will be announced in an online ceremony on 17th May 2018 and will be judged by Gillian Nissim, Founder of Workingmums.co.uk; David Kerrigan, Franchise Director at HSBC Bank plc; Amy Leite, Associate Solicitor at Aquabridge Law; and Helen Walbey, National Policy Chair for Health & Diversity at the Federation of Small Businesses.

The ceremony will include an awards presentation and a Q&A session with franchise experts. This event provides a great platform to celebrate passion and achievement within the franchise industry.

Gillian Nissim, founder of Workingmums.co.uk, said: “We are delighted at the quality of entries to this our third year of the Top Franchise Awards. The Awards run in tandem with our Top Employer Awards, which were created to acknowledge the very best in flexible working and diversity and we believe that there is much that employers can learn from these flexible, family friendly business models. Our surveys show that self employment is an avenue that many women are interested in exploring in order to get more control over their work life balance and because they are interested in the challenge presenting by going it alone – and Workingmums.co.uk offers a lot of advice, information and case studies for those who do in recognition of those challenges. The best franchises offer both the benefits of self employment, but without some of the risks associated with striking out alone since franchisors have already demonstrated the viability of their business models.”

Andrew Brattesani, UK Head of Franchising at HSBC, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Workingmums.co.uk Top Franchise Awards for the second year running and to support innovative family friendly franchises. HSBC has over 25 years’ experience in the franchise industry. Franchises offer the flexibility of self employment combined with a tried and tested business model.  We hope that the Awards will provide a host of ideas and inspiration for all those looking to a future in franchising.”

To be part of our Top Franchise visit our Is It For You? page and find out a bit more about our franchise opportunity today!

Filed Under: Awards, diddi dance, Franchisees, Franchising, Get children moving!, National News Tagged With: Featured

All about diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington

February 16, 2018 by Rebecca

diddi dance Franchisee Rebecca who runs diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington recently became the 4th diddi dance franchise to be fully accredited by the Children’s Activity Association. To read all about her recent achievement just click here.

Because of this success, we at diddi dance wanted to take the time to tell you all about Rebecca and diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington here!

How long have you been with diddi dance?

I have been a diddi dance Franchisee for 15 months.

What did you do before joining diddi dance?

I studied Dance and Drama at college, after which I gained employment in Sales and Marketing for a media advertising company. I left my employment to raise my two children and from there I needed something to suit being a full time primary carer for my children. Working with children was something I really wanted to do as my two are growing up so quickly.

What do you love most about diddi dance and running your own business?

I love diddi dance because of the children mainly. I have built so many wonderful friendships with the children and their grown up who brings them to class. Running my own business means I can make my own hours and still be there for my own children when they finish school, no after school clubs or holiday clubs needed.

What has been the best thing that has happened to you because of diddi dance?

The best thing is just simply the people I have met, not just my wonderful children and grown ups, but the people who rent their rooms to me so I can hold classes. All the other wonderful ladies who are franchisees at diddi dance who are such an inspiration. The fantastic ladies at Head Office, without them I would not be here as the support they give is outstanding. I have also just had a teacher come on board with me and I am so lucky to have her she is amazing. The people and relationships I have with all these people, make me feel I am not on my own, something that was a concern when I thought about working for myself.

What has been a highlight for you since taking on your diddi dance?

Seeing children flourish, sometimes when a child first comes they are so shy and won’t leave their grown ups side, but when you get the break through and they come up to you and chat and dance away like they have been coming to class forever, really melts my heart. I love when grown ups tell me they speak of me at home and they run into class excitedly to show me something. Just heart warming. I love the 0-5 age group, never a dull moment.

What is something you are looking forward to as you continue with your diddi dance franchise?

I love it when I welcome younger siblings to diddi dance after their older brother or sister has left us for nursery or school. I see it happening more often now I have been running for a while, and it’s so nice to say hello again.

What do you enjoy most about your diddi dance?

My diddi dance allows me, flexibility, fantastic opportunity to meet new people and build relationships and work with the fantastic children I see every day.

What do you enjoy most about being your own Boss?

The freedom it has given me to carry on being a Mum to my children. I know when I grew up my mum was home for me after school and I always wanted to do that for my children too.

What does the CAA accreditation mean to you?

I think this accreditation is a fantastic way to show just how passionate diddi dance and I are about the quality of our classes. So much thought hard work and dedication goes into the classes and the process of a child’s time with us at diddi dance is carefully considered. We follow rules and procedures to ensure the classes are safe, reliable and reach the high standard in quality.

And finally, what is your favourite diddi dance theme and why?

I love the Jive theme, so energetic and the Song Mr Wolf is fantastic. I am however so looking forward to the Country theme in a couple of terms time, finally an excuse to shout Yeeee Hahhhh. In class

 

diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington currently has multiple classes running across their exclusive area. They are as follows:

Mondays

  • 9.45am – Leigh Tesco Extra, The Loom, Derby Street, Leigh WN7 4BA
  • 9.45 am – Chapelford Primary, Santa Rosa Boulevard, Great Sankey, Warrington WA5 3AL

Tuesdays

  • 10am – Winwick Leisure Centre, Winwick, Warrington WA2 8LQ

Wednesday

  • 9.45am – Chapelford Primary, Santa Rosa Boulevard, Great Sankey, Warrington WA5 3AL
  • 10am – Pipsqueaks Play Cafe, Orrell Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 8QZ

Friday

  • 10am Culcheth Sports Club, Charnock Road, Culcheth WA3 5SH

Saturday

  • 9.30am – Chowbent Hall, Bolton Old Road, Atherton, Atherto M46 9DS
  • 9.45am -Burtonwood Scout Hut, Chapel Lane, Burtonwood, Warrington, WA5 4HW

To attend any of the above classes or to express interest in having a FREE trial get in touch with diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington today! You can email them on [email protected], call 07703 769335, message them on Facebook at @diddidanceWigan or fill in her free enquiry form by clicking here.

Filed Under: Awards, Celebrate, Classes, diddi dance, Franchisees, Franchising, Free Trial, Get children moving!, Local News, National News Tagged With: Featured

diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington receives CAA Gold Accreditation

February 16, 2018 by Rebecca

The team at diddi dance, the brand behind the much loved preschool dance classes, are extremely proud to announce their franchise diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington has achieved Gold accreditation from the Children’s Activities Association (CAA). The CAA is the only not-for-profit, industry-led association to set and raise standards in all organised children’s activities across the UK and this achievement clearly showcases the team at diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington’s passion for excellence.

Set-up by leading industry experts in 2015, including diddi dance Founder Anne-Marie Martin, the establishment of the CAA (a Community Interest Company) has revolutionised the children’s activities sector. After Anne-Marie completed the accreditation process for diddi dance in 2016, she decided to offer the same accreditation to each diddi dance Franchise. This past month Anne-Marie & diddi dance were thrilled to personally accredit franchisee Rebecca Hall and her franchise diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington.

Over 200,000 children a week now attend a CAA member activity and it is a truly fantastic endorsement for diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington to be part of this ground-breaking national initiative. Rebecca’s commitment to achieving Gold for her franchise shows her dedication to demonstrate to her industry peers and her fellow diddi dance franchisees that she excels at what she does as well as giving her parents the reassurance they deserve when selecting the best classes for their little ones.

Rebecca opened her first class for diddi dance Wigan & Leigh in November 2016 and within her first year achieved both her Bronze & Silver CAA accreditations. She started her second year by expanding her franchise to include the Warrington area and has now become the franchisee with the youngest franchise at only 1 year and 3 months running to achieve Gold accreditation.

It is staggering to learn that before the CAA, there was no national, independent association in the UK for the children’s activity sector as a whole. Through the development of the CAA Code of Practice and via their thorough accreditation, for the first time, parents can now easily make simple, informed decisions when choosing from the wealth of children’s activities out there. Just by asking whether the provider is a CAA member, a parent or carer can get reassurance on important issues such as insurance, health and safety, criminal record checks, training, qualifications, class content and much more.

As one parent said regarding the CAA –

With so many clubs and classes to choose from it’s so hard to know which are the best and what I should be asking when I leave my children in the care of a class leader. In the past I just wrongly assumed kids’ activities must have to be regulated. Knowing that the CAA has asked those important questions to help keep my child safe is fantastic – so now I just look for their logo!”

Having achieved Gold CAA accreditation means that diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington has been independently verified as having met or exceeded all the necessary elements of the CAA Code of Practice. This accomplishment offers parents peace of mind when selecting an activity from the myriad of providers out there.

Anne-Marie, commented on the accreditation process and Rebecca’s success:

Using the CAA accreditation system to ensure all our franchisees are performing to not only our high standards but also a nationally recognised association too is so important to us. It’s fantastic seeing our fourth franchise gain Gold accreditation. We’re so proud of Rebecca achieving this so quickly after starting her franchise and being so new to running a business. She’s a great asset to our network and well worthy of the full accreditation.”

Adding to this Rebecca of diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington said:

I think this accreditation is a fantastic way to show just how passionate diddi dance and I are about the quality of our classes. So much thought, hard work and dedication goes into the classes and the process of a child’s time with us at diddi dance is carefully considered. We follow rules and procedures to ensure the classes are safe, reliable and reach the high standard in quality.”

Congratulations again to Rebecca and her franchise. If you would like more information about diddi dance Wigan, Leigh & Warrington visit the Facebook page here or read all about them by clicking here

Filed Under: Awards, Celebrate, Classes, diddi dance, Franchisees, Franchising, Free Trial, Get children moving!, Local News, National News Tagged With: Featured

New diddi dance classes – February 2018

February 2, 2018 by Rebecca

We at diddi dance wanted to be sure you know about all the new classes launching across the UK in February 2018! The list below is from North to South in UK.

diddi dance Worcestershire (a brand new diddi dance!), email Helen for further information:

  • Starting 14th February, Wednesdays @ 9.30am & 10.30am – All Saints Church hall, 6 Burcot Ln, Bromsgrove B60 1AF
  • Starting 15th February, Thursdays @ 2.30pm & 3.30pm – St Peter’s Village Hall, St Peter’s Drive, Worcester WR5 3TA
  • Starting 23rd February, Fridays @ 9.30am & 10.30am – Droitwich Methodist Church Hall, Worcester Rd, Droitwich WR9 8AN

diddi dance North & Central Leeds, email Julia for further information:

  • Starting 19th February, Mondays @ 1.30 – Mercure Parkway Hotel, Adel, Leeds LS16 8AG

diddi dance Essex, email Caroline & Jennifer for further information:

  • Starting 20th February, Tuesdays @ 9.45am – Wickford Christ Church, Gateway Service Road , Ladygate Centre (next to the Co-Op), High Street, Wickford, Essex SS12 9FW
    Please note the postcode doesn’t take you directly to Christ Church.  The Church is located & signposted to the rear of the Co-Op car park

diddi dance West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, Marlow and Tadley, email Lisa for further information:

  • Starting 19th February, Mondays @ 10am – River & Rowing Museum, Mill Lane, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1BF

diddi dance Plymouth & Surrounding, email Liz & Rachael for further information:

  • Starting 22nd February, Thursdays @ 11.00am – Emmanuel Church Hall, 1 Compton Avenue, Plymouth, PL3 5BZ
  • Starting 23rd February, Fridays @ 11.00am – Ivybridge Scout Hut, Ivybridge, Devon PL21 0SL
    Between Ivybridge Police Station and the South Dartmoor Leisure Centre
Why not book your FREE trial for one of these new classes today! Visit our Contact Page to get in touch with your local diddi dance now.
We hope your toddler can join us for our next theme – IRISH!!!

Filed Under: Classes, diddi dance, Franchisees, Free Trial, Get children moving!, Local News, National News, Winter Tagged With: Featured

Great features for diddi dance Franchisees this January

January 31, 2018 by Rebecca

Fantastic features for some of our franchisees this month, all of which had some great visuals from classes attached to them to help everyone see how much fun toddlers have at diddi dance.

First, diddi dance Plymouth & Surrounding had a lovely feature in the Plymouth Herald all about how they left behind their previous careers to become diddi dance franchisees and how now they are award-winning franchisees!

Then, diddi dance Oxford & Surrounding had a local television company, That’s Oxfordshire, along to a class to find out all about the newly launched diddi dance in the area! They spoke with franchisee Tatiana and some parents about why diddi dance is great for toddler in helping them to develop their social and creative skills.

Next, diddi dance South East Hampshire & Chichester had their local That’s television company, That’s Solent, along to one of her classes. They interviewed franchisee Liz and some of the parents all about diddi dance & why it is so great to attend!

diddi dance North Essex & South Suffolk was chosen by DaddiLife as their Activity of the Week so the Daddy bloggers came along to film a class to show their readers exactly what toddlers get up to with us.

Lastly, diddi dance North & Central Leeds had a local mummy blogger along to a class to give an honest review about exactly what happens in one of our classes. Her and her daughter loved it and and would definitely recommend it to other parents:

If you have a child that loves dancing or jumping around to music, or you’d like to help them improve their coordination, this may well be for you.”

 

Don’t forget to book your FREE trial with any of our classes today and see your toddler grow in confidence, coordination & creativity 🙂

Filed Under: Classes, diddi dance, Franchisees, Franchising, Free Trial, Get children moving!, Local News, Winter

diddi dance Shortlisted in 2018 mumandworking Awards

January 19, 2018 by Rebecca

Our North Essex & South Suffolk franchisee, Charlotte Foxley, has just been nominated for Franchisee of the Year at the 2018 mumandworking Awards.

Charlotte started her diddi dance in September 2015 and over the past two years she has grown the franchise to be a very successful and prominent one.

The mumandworking Awards are all about:

  • Empowering parents to achieve their potential
  • Realising the enormous commercial benefits of flexible working to employers and business owners
  • Recognising the substantial contribution to the UK economy
  • Supporting modern-day, family life
  • Celebrating the importance of the UK’s parent-preners

This award  is for companies, colleagues, staff and associates to nominate a franchisee who clearly demonstrates how a flexible franchise can bring out the best in individuals – for the benefit of the business as well as families and customers, which we wholeheartedly think is Charlotte.

When we asked Charlotte how she felt about the award nomination, which was sneakily submitted by Head Office on her behalf, she said:

I am thrilled to have been nominated in the category Franchisee of the Year with mumandworking! Mum and Working is exactly what I do. It is a juggle and hard work but so enjoyable, it doesn’t feel like work to me – not when I see the children giggle and have fun dancing to our funky tunes. Working with preschoolers & children with special needs is very rewarding and something that I am really passionate about, particularly as a mum with a child with special needs myself. I have a brilliant team of teachers and a fantastic support system in my family & my fellow franchisees, this makes it all work. “

But that’s not all! diddi dance has also been nominated for Franchisor of the Year – a category open to any franchisor who actively promotes exceptionally family-friendly and flexible working policies to its franchisees. This is a voted for category by the public so we need your votes! Click here and please cast your vote for diddi dance to show your support to us as a company but also to your local franchisee or teacher who chose to work with us.

We asked diddi dance Franchisor, Anne-Marie, how she felt about the nomination and she said:

We’re so thrilled to be nominated in the Franchisor of the Year category. We love being able to give parents the opportunity to find that work/life balance with a business opportunity that’s really family focused. Our business in a box provides that support and guidance taking the headache out of finding your own business idea and hitting all the hurdles along the way. We love our network of franchisees and the fantastic work they do in their local communities with the diddi dance brand.”

There is still a long way to go before we find out on the 3 October if either of us have won in our categories, but for now please vote, spread the word and congratulate!

Filed Under: Awards, Celebrate, Classes, diddi dance, Franchisees, Franchising, Get children moving!, Local News, National News Tagged With: Featured

New diddi dance Franchise – Worcestershire

January 5, 2018 by Rebecca

We here at diddi dance HO would like to take this opportunity to welcome our newest franchisee, Helen, who will be running the new franchise – diddi dance Worcestershire.

Helen’s first classes will be:

  • Starting 8th January, Mondays @ 9.30am – Perdiswell Young Peoples Leisure Centre, Perdiswell Park, Droitwich Road, Worcester WR3 7SN
  • Starting 8th January, Mondays @ 2:00pm – St. Nicholas Church Barn, 2 St Nicholas Lane, Worcester WR4 0SL
  • Starting 15th February, Wednesdays @ 9:30am – All Saints Church Hall, 6 Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove B60 1AF

To book your toddler onto any of the above classes fill in our Book a Free Trial form and address it to Helen, or you can email her directly by clicking here 🙂

A little bit more about Helen:

Tell us a bit about yourself:

My name is Helen, and I live with my amazing husband Ed in Worcester. We moved here about 4 months ago from Chester. Although we haven’t been in the Midlands long, we both love it here! And both agree that moving to Worcestershire was the best decision we have made in Years!

What did you do before diddi dance?

I worked in an office, doing QA and Document Control. This meant many hours sat on my own, essentially talking to myself and quality checking documents….. for hours at a time!

Why did you choose a diddi dance franchise?

Whilst I was in Chester, I used to go to the gym before work most mornings. This is where I was lucky enough to meet Suzie, the franchisee owner on the Wirral. After weeks of Suzie coming to spin in her diddi dance hoodie, I finally plucked up the courage to ask what it was. When my Ed and I moved to the midlands, I realised that there was a gap in the market, so I dropped Suzie a message, and the rest is history! 🙂

What are you most excited about for your new business?

I love being active. Sitting at a desk, doing the same work day after day was soul destroying. I think it’s safe to say with so many little ones and parents coming to classes on a weekly basis, plus so many personalities in one room, there will be no two days the same!

Plus the kick I get out of working for me, is amazing. A total high!

And finally, which diddi dance theme are you looking forward to the most and why?

I have thought about this one quite a bit, having been asked in training. I think it has to be Bollywood! When I came to observe my first class during the open day, it was a Bollywood based lesson. The music, the routine – I feel in love with diddi dance right there!

Helen’s classes will be starting with our Hip Hop theme so don’t forget to book your FREE trial today!

Filed Under: Classes, diddi dance, Franchisees, Franchising, Free Trial, Get children moving!, Local News, National News Tagged With: Featured

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