Awards

diddi dance a Sponsor of the What’s On 4 Kids UK Awards 2023

January 27, 2023 by Helena Rigby Leave a Comment

We are once again a proud sponsor of the What’s on 4 Kids UK Awards

They are now in their 17th year and are the most prestigious and longest running awards for the sector. These awards recognise and reward the most loved children’s activities and businesses in the UK since 2006.

Nominations for 2023 are now OPEN!

If you would like to show your local diddi dance how amazing they are, you can find out more information about the awards and nominate them for a What’s On 4 Kids Award here.

We thank you for all your support.

diddi dance Celebrates 2022

December 31, 2022 by Helena Rigby

Wow, what a year 2022 has been!

We have welcomed 4 new franchisees to the diddi dance crew – Kirsty Barker of diddi dance Central & North Liverpool & South Knowsley, Naomi Sumner of diddi dance Southport, Sefton & West Lancashire, Sophie Barnard of diddi dance Winchester & Gosport and JoJo Sikking of diddi dance Woodford, Walthamstow & Surrounding.

We were stronger together at our first in person conference since 2019 which was just amazing, launched our fabulous clothing range and celebrated our 19th birthday.

We were proud to be nominated for various industry awards and to attend the British Franchise Awards as Lifestyle Finalist 2022 and were awarded the 5 Star Franchise Satisfaction for the 9th year running. To end the year we were listed in the Elite Franchise Top 100 Franchises for the 6th year running.

We have of course danced our way through the year with all our amazing diddi dance families, including at The Cambridge Club Festival, Camp Bestival Dorset and our first at Camp Bestival Shropshire, the CAA Kindness Week and Gabby’s Dollhouse diddi disco week.

A huge thank you to everyone who been part of our 2022!

We wish you all a very Happy New Year and look forward to what 2023 will bring.

diddi dance Attends the What’s On 4 Awards 2022 with Finalist diddi dance Central & North Liverpool & South Knowsley

October 24, 2022 by Helena Rigby

We had the pleasure of attending the What’s on 4 Kids Awards 2022 at a stunning venue at Mercedes Benz World. The event was headline sponsored by Morton Michel.

We are so proud of Kirsty from diddi dance Central & North Liverpool & South Knowsley who was a finalist in the Most Loved Music, Dance or Performing Art category, within her first year of being in business.

diddi dance sponsored the Most Loved Sports or Physical Activity Franchisor or Independent category – a huge congratulations to Winner Toddler Sense UK and Highly Commended Tumble Tots – Kids Activities.

Congratulations to all the other fabulous winners on the night.

Kirsty from diddi dance Central & North Liverpool & South Knowsley attended the event with diddi dance founder Anne-Marie Martin, who also runs diddi dance Royal Borough of Greenwich & Lewisham. They were both looking very glamorous and they had the whole room up dancing – watch the reel to see what they got up to over on our facebook page!

All About diddi dance Wrexham, Oswestry, Whitchurch & Malpas

October 13, 2022 by Helena Rigby

diddi dance franchisee Kristina who runs diddi dance Wrexham, Oswestry, Whitchurch & Malpas recently became 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 Kristina and diddi dance Wrexham, Oswestry, Whitchurch & Malpas :

How long have you been with diddi dance?

I have been a franchisee for 3 years but a teacher for almost 11.

What did you do before joining diddi dance?

I have always taught dance since finishing my dance degree. I love teaching but feel like I found my forever job when I started teaching diddi dance. It makes me so happy.

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

I love the energy that each class brings. Seeing participants have fun and engage with the class. Watching them grow in confidence, ability and for many, grow from tots to heading off to big school!

I love that I can take diddi dance into different settings, locations and see the joy it brings. No matter what the morning, week, year is bringing those individuals – for 45mins they can just enjoy and have fun. A quote that has always stuck with me is “starting your day with a dance, makes the rest of the days steps a little lighter”

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

I love that I have been part of so many children’s journeys. The children that struggled to overcome nerves, shyness, separation from their grown ups – who were able to gain their confidence through my classes, and went off to school with a skip and a smile. That is an achievement for not just me, but that child, their families and their teachers. For others, it is the highlight of their week and I love them running into class and telling me about what they’ve been up to.

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

The feedback from parents after our Halloween and Christmas parties last year. After the two years of restrictions we had overcome, I wanted to bring some fun and on both occasions had a full hall of smiling faces.

The parties were just awesome! So much fun to teach but also so rewarding to see all of the families having the best time together.

For me, that was exactly why I love diddi dance all in one session. Fun to teach, creative to put together, successful in a business sense but also rewarding, knowing that I was providing those families with a great experience for everyone.

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

Growing. I have a wonderful teacher but would love to find others with the same level of passion. Be able to take diddi dance to more venues, locations and stages… Alderfest 2023 for starters!

What do you enjoy most about your diddi dance?

I love that no matter what type of day I may be having, I am able to walk into a class and have a great time. I am able to proudly say I own a diddi dance franchise and can offer sessions, classes and parties to them – knowing that what we provide is the BEST quality!

What do you enjoy most about being your own Boss?

The flexibility to work around my family. And on those days where my children can come along – they do! Something I am passionate about is being able to share diddi dance with families that may not usually be able to access it for various reasons. I have started a journey very recently, seeking funding from large charities to be able to provide sessions within certain areas. This is something that is very time consuming and may not have been possible when working for someone else. I am hoping that I can get my passion for my business through the funding panels to see it come to fruition.

What does the CAA accreditation mean to you?

It feels like a huge pat on the back! Knowing that I can confidently say to early years settings, parents, schools that my business is doing everything we can to provide top quality provision. As the childrens activity market expands, with more and more provision for preschool ages than ever before, I am proud to have my accreditation to back me up, help me stand out from the crowd.

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

I find this one so hard to answer because they are all great!!!

I love the diddi dancers moody faces and crossed arms in hip hop.

I love the grown ups getting into rave theme like we’ve rewound back to 1994

I love the jive song!

I love the country dance, and shouting yeehawww!!!

diddi dance Wrexham, Oswestry, Whitchurch & Malpas currently has multiple classes running across their exclusive area. Contact Kristina directly if you’d like to attend a class:

Wednesdays:

10AM @ FUNZONE, WHITCHURCH, WAYMILLS IND EST, SY13 1TT9.45 AND 1.15 @ BANANA BENS, WREXHAM, LL13 7SU

Thursdays

10.45 @ BARBOUR INSTITUTE, TATTENHALL, CH3 9PX11AM @ CHIRK BUNKHOUSE, SHEPHERD’S LANE, LL14 5PG

Fridays

9.45 @ ROSSETT VILLAGE HALL, STATION ROAD, WREXHAM, LL12 0HE

diddi dance Wrexham, Oswestry, Whitchurch & Malpas receives CAA Gold Accreditation

October 13, 2022 by Helena Rigby

The team at diddi dance, the brand behind the much loved preschool dance classes, are extremely proud to announce their franchise diddi dance Wrexham, Oswestry, Whitchurch & Malpas 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 Wrexham, Oswestry, Whitchurch & Malpas’ 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 Kristina Jones and her franchise diddi dance Wrexham, Oswestry, Whitchurch & Malpas.

Over 200,000 children a week now attend a CAA member activity and it is a truly fantastic endorsement for diddi dance Wrexham, Oswestry, Whitchurch & Malpas to be part of this ground-breaking national initiative. Kristina’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.

Kristina took over diddi dance Wrexham, Oswestry, Whitchurch & Malpas in October 2019 and now runs numerous classes in the area, and is working really hard to make it into one of the most recognisable diddi dance brands in the nation. Becoming a Gold accredited member of the CAA is the latest achievement in the brand’s success story supporting dancing toddlers weekly.

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 Wrexham, Oswestry, Whitchurch & Malpas 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 Kristina’s success:

“Kristina is running an excellent franchise and its great seeing it growing so much. Having achieved gold now gives her customers peace of mind that she is running an ethical and responsible local business.”

Adding to this Kristina of diddi dance Wrexham, Oswestry, Whitchurch & Malpas said:

“It feels like a huge pat on the back! Knowing that I can confidently say to early years settings, parents, schools that my business is doing everything we can to provide top quality provision. As the children’s activity market expands, with more and more provision for preschool ages than ever before, I am proud to have my accreditation to back me up and help me stand out from the crowd.”

Congratulations again to Kristina and her franchise. If you would like more information about diddi dance Wrexham, Oswestry, Whitchurch & Malpas visit the Facebook page here or read all about them by clicking here

diddi dance a Finalist at the BFA Awards 2022

September 22, 2022 by Helena Rigby

We are delighted to be FINALISTS at the British Franchise Association Awards 2022 in the Lifestyle Franchisor of the Year category.

This prestigious event celebrates the best of the best in franchising, showcasing franchisors and franchisees alike who are committed to ethical franchising. The awards will take place on 24th November in Birmingham. We cant wait to be there!

diddi dance Central & North Liverpool in Finals of What’s On 4 Kids Awards 2022

September 6, 2022 by Helena Rigby

We’re over the moon to announce that Kirsty from diddi dance Central & North Liverpool & South Knowsley is through to the FINALS in the prestigious Whats On 4 Kids UK Awards 2022.

The official ceremony and Industry Event of the Year will take place at Mercedes-Benz World in the Autumn. We love what we do and after such a challenging 2 years for everyone, this means the world!

Find us in Most Loved Music, Dance or Performing Arts Activity category award with sponsor Bloom Baby Classes

See Whats On 4 Kids UK Awards 2022 for all the details!

HUGE thanks to headline sponsor Morton Michel, G et Bee Card. thinksmartsoftware , Trustist and all the sponsors who help make this event possible!

Congratulations to the finalists in the Most Loved sport or physical activity category that diddi dance or sponsoring we will see you at the awards ceremony

Mini Athletics

Toddler Sense UK

Tumble Tots

We’re over the moon to announce that Kirsty from diddi dance Central & North Liverpool & South Knowsley is through to the FINALS in the prestigious @WhatsOn4KidsUK Awards 2022.

The official ceremony and Industry Event of the Year will take place at Mercedes-Benz World in the Autumn. We love what we do and after such a challenging 2 years for everyone, this means the world!

Find us in Most Loved Music, Dance or Performing Arts Activity category award with sponsor @bloombabyclasses See www.whatson4kids.co.uk/awards/ or @whatson4kidsuk bio for all the details!

HUGE thanks to headline sponsor @mortonmichel, @getbeecard @thinksmartsoftware , @trustist and all the sponsors who help make this event possible!

Congratulations to the finalists in the Most Loved sport or physical activity category that diddi dance or sponsoring we will see you at the awards ceremony

Mini Athletics

Toddler Sense UK

Tumble Tots

diddi dance Receives 5 Star Satisfaction Award for Ninth Year

August 1, 2022 by Helena Rigby

We are ecstatic to announce that for the ninth year running, we have received the 5 Star Franchisee Satisfaction Award!

Based on anonymous feedback from our franchisees, it is fantastic to know that they rate our franchise opportunity so highly and are satisfied with their decision to be part of our network.

Thank you so much to our diddi dance crew for your time and we really do appreciate your feedback

Have you thought about a diddi dance franchise? For more information, please visit our franchise page.

diddi dance Wolverhampton, Stafford, North Telford & Market Drayton Wins at Great British Franchisee Awards 2022

July 22, 2022 by Helena Rigby

We are absolutely delighted to announce that Svenja, owner of diddi dance Wolverhampton, Stafford, North Telford & Market Drayton, is a winner at the Great British Franchisee Awards 2022 from Which Franchise. 🏆

The former college tutor who specialised in dance and performing arts now employs four teachers and is hoping to take on a fifth as her timetable is completely full with bookings.

“I’ve grown the business from covering just Wolverhampton and part of South Staffordshire to now covering all of Wolverhampton and surroundings, part of South Staffordshire, Stafford, and part of Shropshire including North Telford and Market Drayton,” she says.

She now has 21 classes a week in 19 different venues or locations, plus sessions in five nursery settings each half term and a couple of birthday parties a month.

The Great British Franchisee Awards recognise outstanding franchisees regardless of the sector they work in or the size of their business. The judges look at each franchisee and how they perform across a range of categories; exceptional performance and business experience, ability to drive business growth, staff retention, customer satisfaction, community involvement, inspired leadership, and franchise involvement.

The awards are run by whichfranchise, supported by Lloyds Bank, BDO, AMO Consulting and Chantry Group.

Congratulations Svenja, you thoroughly deserve this award for all your hard work in staying a step ahead during the pandemic and growing your business💃🏼💚💗💙

diddi dance Celebrates Conference and Awards 2022

June 29, 2022 by Helena Rigby

Celebrate with us

We had a fantastic conference at the weekend, coming together and celebrating the successes of our network, including announcing the winners of our franchise awards

We want to congratulate each of our Franchisees for all of their hard work and determination this past year, especially to these winners:

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