diddi dance

New diddi dance Franchise – York, Ryedale, Selby & Surrounding

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We here at diddi dance HO would like to take this opportunity to welcome our newest franchisee, Hayley, who will be running the new franchise – diddi dance York, Ryedale, Selby & Surrounding.

Hayley’s first classes will be:

  • Starting 10th September, Mondays @ 10.30am – The Avenues Childrens Centre, Sixth Avenue, Heworth, YO31 0TX
  • Starting 10th September, Mondays @ 1.30pm – St. Oswalds Church Hall, Fulford, YO31 4HJ
  • Starting 11th September, Tuesdays @ 9.30am – St. Lukes Church Hall, Burton Stone Lane, Clifton, YO30 6DG
  • Starting 12th September, Wednesdays @ 9.40am – St. Lawrence’s Church Hall, Lawrence Street, YO10 3BW
  • Starting 13th September, Thursdays @ 9.40am @-St. James the Deacon Church Hall,  2 Sheringham Drive, Dringhouses, YO24 2SE
  • Starting 13th September, Thursdays @ 11.15am – Super Sustainable Centre, Off Derwent Way, Osbaldwick, York YO10 3NP
  • Starting 14th September, Fridays @ 9.30am – The Centre, Burnholme, Mossdale Avenue, YO31 0HA
  • Starting 18th September, Tuesdays @ 11.15am – Reading Rooms, Church Street, Dunnington, YO19 5PW

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

A little bit more about Hayley:

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I am engaged to my partner of 13 years and we have two beautiful children – Our daughter who is 4 and our son who is 1. My daughter is due to start school in September so we’ve been enjoying some lovely quality time this summer as a family including camping and some lovely days out. We also love to go cycling together as a family as my daughter has recently learnt to ride a bike.

What did you do before diddi dance?

I have been a stay at home mum for the last 2 years since having my son, but prior to that I was a Youth Worker for 12 years working with young people who were educationally and socially excluded and also helping to set up provision for community/youth groups who wanted to provide services for young people, including art, drama, dance and sporting sessions. My first role in the Youth Service was as a dance co-ordinator, helping set up and run dance sessions around York.

Why did you choose a diddi dance franchise?

I felt there were a number of reasons that diddi dance seemed like the perfect fit. Firstly, I could go back to my first love in life, which is teaching dancing, something I am very passionate about. I also loved the flexibility of working my business around my family , not compromising my own commitments such as being able to drop/pick my daughter up from school.

What are you most excited about for your new business?

I’m just so excited to see how much fun the children are going to have in their classes, as seeing their faces light up when they’re having so much fun is amazing. It’s such a high energy and positive class it will be a joy to go to work everyday!

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

Hip hop! I always taught street dance so that style of dance is something I love. I’m also really excited to do Bollywood as it’s such a fun and energetic dance style!

Hayley’s classes will be starting with our Disco theme so don’t forget to book your FREE trial today!disco dancing toddler preschool diddi

New diddi dance classes for August & September 2018

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There are a slew of new classes starting this & next month and we at diddi dance want to be sure you know about all of them! Here is what is launching with the start of the new school term in your area for each diddi dance franchise. The list below is from North to South in the UK.

diddi dance York, Ryedale, Selby & Surrounding:

  • Starting 10th September, Mondays @ 10.30am – The Avenues Childrens Centre, Sixth Avenue, Heworth, YO31 0TX
  • Starting 10th September, Mondays @ 1.30pm – St. Oswalds Church Hall, Fulford, YO31 4HJ
  • Starting 11th September, Tuesdays @ 9.30am – St. Lukes Church Hall, Burton Stone Lane, Clifton, YO30 6DG
  • Starting 12th September, Wednesdays @ 9.40am – St. Lawrence’s Church Hall, Lawrence Street, YO10 3BW
  • Starting 13th September, Thursdays @ 9.40am @-St. James the Deacon Church Hall,  2 Sheringham Drive, Dringhouses, YO24 2SE
  • Starting 13th September, Thursdays @ 11.15am – Super Sustainable Centre, Off Derwent Way, Osbaldwick, York YO10 3NP
  • Starting 14th September, Fridays @ 9.30am – The Centre, Burnholme, Mossdale Avenue, YO31 0HA
  • Starting 18th September, Tuesdays @ 11.15am – Reading Rooms, Church Street, Dunnington, YO19 5PW

diddi dance Lancaster, Preston & Kendal:

  • Starting 6th September, Thursdays @ 9:30am – St. Michael’s on Wyre Village Hall, Blackpool Road, St. Michael’s on Wyre, Lancashire, PR3 0UA

diddi dance Northwich, Sandbach & Surrounding:

  • Starting 4th September, Tuesday @ 9.45am – St Mary’s Parish Centre, 2 New King Street, Middlewich, Cheshire, CW10 9EB
  • Starting 6th September, Thursday @ 9.45am – Polar Palace, Unit 10, Pineapple Park, Road One, Winsford Industrial Estate, Winsford, Cheshire, CW7 3PR
  • Starting 7th September, Fridays @ 1.45pm – The Venue, Gadbrook Road, Rudheath, Northwich, CW9 7JL
  • Starting 8th September, Saturdays @ 10.00am – St John’s Church Centre, School Lane, Hartford, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 1NP

diddi dance Chester & North Wales:

  • Starting 6th September, Thursday @ 11.15am – Infunity Play Centre Mold, 1 Bromfield Lane Industrial Estate, Queen’s Ln, Mold CH7

diddi dance North Shropshire, Wrexham & North West Stoke-on-Trent:

  • Starting 11th September, Tuesdays @ 1.00pm – Sundorne Games Hall, Sundorne Road, Shrewsbury SY1 4RG
  • Starting 12th September, Wednesdays @ 9.45am – Cheshire Ice Cream Farm, Drumlan Hall Farm, Tattenhall CH3 9NE
  • Starting 12th September, Wednesdays @ 11.30am – Good Time Charlie’s Playbarn, 106 Coed Aben Road, Wrexham LL13 9UH
  • Starting 12th September, Wednesdays @ 1.00pm – Ellesmere Comrades Club, Victoria Street, Ellesmere SY12 0AB
  • Starting 14th September, Fridays @ 9.45am – Adderley Village Hall, Market Drayton TF9 3FA
  • Starting 14th September, Fridays @ 12.45pm – JungleLand, Interchange House, Trench Lock, Hadley, Telford TF1 6SZ
  • Starting 17th September, Mondays @ 11.15am – Farndon Community Club, Sibbersfield Lane, Farndon CH3 6NX

diddi dance Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Sutton Coldfield & North Walsall:

  • Starting 14th September, Fridays @ 10:00am – Hundred Acre Scout Centre, Aldridge Road, (Next to Farmer Johns Pub), Streetly , Sutton Coldfield , B74 2DX

diddi dance Worcestershire:

  • Starting 10th September, Mondays @ 9:30am – Lyppard Hub, Ankerage Green, Worcester WR4 0DZ
  • Starting 10th September, Tuesdays @ 9:30am – Green Hub, Gresham Road, St Johns, Worcester, WR2 5QS
  • Starting 4th September, Tuesdays @ 2:00pm – Pershore Town Hall, 34 High St, Pershore WR10 1DS
  • Starting 6th September, Thursdays @ 2:00pm – St Peters Church, 5 Meredith Green, Kidderminster DY11 7EJ
  • Starting 10th September, Saturdays @ 2:00pm – Methodist Church, Worcester Rd, Droitwich WR9 8AN

diddi dance Bury St Edmunds, Forest Heath & Mid Suffolk:

  • Starting 7th September, Fridays @ 11.00am – The Blackbourne Community Centre, Blackbourne Road, Elmswell, Bury St Edmunds, IP30 9UH

diddi dance North Essex & South Suffolk:

  • Starting 6th September, Thursdays @ 11.30am – Pinewood Community Centre Laburnum Close, Pinewood, Ipswich, IP8 3SL
  • Starting 10th September, Mondays @ 10.00am – Millennium Jubilee Hall, Millennium Way, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 2EN
  • Starting 10th September, Mondays @ 11.30am Castle Hill Community Centre, Highfield Rd, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 6DG

diddi dance Essex:

  • Starting 11th September, Tuesday @ 1.30pm – Balmoral Community Centre, Salisbury Avenue, Westcliff-On-Sea, SS0 7AU

diddi dance West London:

  • Starting 4th September, Tuesdays @ 10.00am – Askew Road Church, Bassein Park Rd, London W12 9RN
    Please arrive by 9.50am to be let into the building, once the class starts at 10am the external doors will be locked.

diddi dance North Kent:

  • Starting 12th September, Wednesdays @ 11.00am – Bexley Cricket Club, Studio Court, Manor Way, Bexley, Kent, DA5 3QG 

diddi dance South East Hampshire & Chichester:

  • Starting 4th September, Tuesdays @ 9.30am – St Cuthbert’s Community Centre, Hayling Avenue, Copnor PO3 6EA
  • Starting 7th September, Fridays @ 9.30am – Havelock Community Centre, 323 Fawcett Road, Southsea, PO4 0LQ
  • Starting 25th September, Tuesday @ 11.15am – Fit Joy – Chichester, 7 College Lane, Chichester PO19 6PD

diddi dance Eastbourne, Tunbridge Wells & Hastings:

  • Starting 10th September, Mondays @ 11.15am – St Luke’s Centre, Walmer Road, SEAFORD, East Sussex, BN25 3TH
  • Starting 11th September, Tuesdays @ 11.00am – The Camden Centre, Market Square, ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Kent, TN1 2SW
  • Starting 12th September, Wednesdays @ 10.00am – The Hillcrest Community Centre, Bay Vue Road, NEWHAVEN, East Sussex, BN9 9LH
  • Starting 13th September, Thursdays @ 9.30am – Trinity Church Hall, Coppice Avenue, WILLINGDON, East Sussex, BN20 9PN

diddi dance Plymouth & Surrounding:

  • Starting 10th September, Mondays @ 9.45am – Pomphlett Methodist Church, Pomphlett Road, Plymstock, Plymouth PL9 7BL
  • Starting 11th September, Tuesdays @ 9.45am – Trinity United Reformed Church, Torr Lane, Peverell, Plymouth PL3 3NY
  • Starting 12th September, Wednesdays @ 4.15pm – Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre, Glen Road, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 2XS
  • Starting 14th September, Fridays at 1.30pm – Plympton Scout Hut, Cottles Lodge, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 2AU
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 – DISCO!!!

disco dancing toddler preschool diddi

diddi dance Wins Awards for Best Childhood Dance Classes

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SME News Announces the Winners of the 2018 UK Enterprise Awards and diddi dance is one of them!

toddler early years dance class award winning

We are thrilled with the news that this year we have been awarded Best Early Childhood Dance Classes. The 2018 UK Enterprise Awards showcase the very best businesses from across the UK’s corporate landscape.

Jessie Wilson, Awards Coordinator, discusses the success of this year’s programme:

“UK based enterprises are renowned for their diversity and ability to progress through tough times. As we turn our backs on the recession it is now more important than ever to seek out hard working, innovative and diverse business owners and offer them a platform to further succeed, and as such it is my pleasure to announce the publication of this year’s awards. Congratulations to all of my winners; you have each exhibited determination, passion and a will to succeed which I hope continues into the future.”

Founder of diddi dance, Anne-Marie, said of the win:

“At diddi dance we are really honoured to have won this award. It always makes us feel proud to gain industry recognition for our business. I feel the reason for our success is down to our passion. Not only do we love working with children, and seeing them develop, but also being able to offer other individuals a flexible working opporutnity

SME News prides itself on the validity of its awards and winners. The awards are given solely on merit and are awarded to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity and hard work, distinguishing them from their competitors and proving them worthy of recognition.

See all the other deserving winners in the winners supplement and find us on pg 70 or read our feature below.

diddi dance Summer classes for 2018

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diddi dance is open

With school out and children to entertain why not bring your little ones, and if you want their older siblings, to diddi dance over the summer! Some of our diddi dance locations will continue to run classes through July & August so if you are looking for something to do look no further! See who’s running what and where right here (classes listed by location from North to South):

diddi dance Lancatser, Preston & Kendal will be running the following, which all can be booked online:

toddler preschool dance activity summer classes lancaster preston kendal

diddi dance York, Ryedale, Selby & Surrounding will be running the following taster sessions over the summer before they launch in September. Contact Hayley for more informatin or to book a place:

toddler preschool dance class activity York selby ryedale selby

diddi dance North & Central Leeds will be running the following, all of which can be booked online:

preschool toddler dance activity summer classes leeds

diddi dance Wirral will be running the following classes at £5.50 per session either pay as you go or can book in block through website! Siblings younger and older welcome if joining in must pay:

  • Monday 6th, 13th & 20th August @ 9.30am – Jireh Hall, Teehey Gardens, Bebington, CH63 2JH
  • Friday 10th, 17th & 24th August @ 9.30am – Jireh Hall, Teehey Gardens, Bebington, CH63 2JH

diddi dance Chester & North Wales will be running the following classes:

  • Mondays @ 9:45am, 23 Jul 2018 to 20 Aug 2018 – Cheshire County Sports Club, Plas Newton Ln,, Chester, Chester, Cheshire , CH2 1PR
  • Fridays @ 9:45am, 27 Jul 2018 to 31 Aug 2018 – Saughall Methodist Church, Church Road, Saughall , Chester, Cheshire , CH1 6EN
    Drop in available or 20% off for a block booking

diddi dance Wolverhampton, South Staffordshire & Stafford will be running the following, all of which can be booked online:

toddler preschool dance activity summer classes wolverhampton stafford staffordshire

diddi dance Loughborough, Hinckley, Oadby & Surrounding will be running the following at £5 per session, all of which can be booked online:

  • Monday, 16th July and 23rd July @ 10am – Elizabeth Park Community Centre, Checkland Road, Thurmaston LE48FN
  • Tuesday, 17th July and 24th July @ 9.45am – Civic Centre, King Street, Enderby, LE19 4NT
  • Sunday, 22nd July and 5th August @ 10am – Parklands Leisure Centre, Washbrook Lane, Oadby, LE2 5QG
  • Wednesday, 8th August @ 11.15am – Woodhouse Community Hall, Forest Road, Old Woodhouse, LE12 8TZ 
  • Monday, 13th August @ 10am-  Woodhouse Community Hall, Forest Road, Old Woodhouse, LE12 8TZ 

diddi dance North Essex & South Suffolk will be running the following sessions over the summer:

toddler preschool dance activity essex suffolk classes summer

diddi dance Reading & Wokingham will be running the following classes, which all start at 10am. All classes should be booked online in advanced and are £6 per child (£3 for siblings):

  • Wednesday 25th July, 22nd Aug and 29th Aug – St Barnabas Church Hall, Elm Road, Earley, Reading, RG6 5TS
  • Thursday 26th July, 9th Aug, 23rd Aug and 30th Aug – Wokingham Youth & Community Centre, 35 Reading Road, Wokingham, RG41 1EG
  • Tuesday 7th Aug – Emmanuel Church Centre, Southlake Crescent, Woodley, RG5 3QW

diddi dance Bristol will be running the following classes, which can be booked online:

bristol dance preschool toddler activity classes

diddi dance Harrow & North Hillingdon will be running all the following classes at £7 per child, which can be booked online:

  • Wednesdays 1st  &  8th August @ 10:00am -Eastcote Methodist Church, Pamela Gardens, HA5 2QU.

diddi dance North London will be running all the following classes:

toddler preschool dance activity north london classes summer

diddi dance South East London will be running all the following classes:

toddler preschool dance activity classes summer se london

diddi dance Richmond Upon Thames will be running all the following classes:

  • Thursdays, 2nd & 9th August @ 10:00am – St Johns Centre Isleworth, 80 St Johns Road, Isleworth, TW7 6RU

diddi dance Brighton, Worthing & Horsham will be running at one location over the summer, £6.50 when booked via the website or £7.50 drop-in:

  • Thursday 2nd, 16th & 30th August @ 10am – Church of the Good Shepherd, Dyke Road, Brighton BN1 5AE

diddi dance Plymouth & Surrounding will be running the following classes, all of which can be booked online:

toddler preschool dance activity summer classes hampshire chichester

If you have any questions about any of the information above contact your local diddi dance via our enquiry page.
So join us if you can for our Hula Theme!toddler preschool dance classes hula

diddi dance 15th Birthday Competitions!!!

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toddler dance preschool birthday celebrate partyTo celebrate diddi dance turning 15 this year, as part of our Party Week we will be running 3 competitions on our national Facebook, Twitter & Instagram pages!

This is your chance to win…

  • a free diddi dance Birthday Party on Facebook!
  • free half-term of diddi dance classes on Twitter!
  • a diddi dance goodie bag choc full of all our fantastic merchandise on Instagram!

To enter simply upload an image of your diddi dancer in their party attire or enjoying our party classes onto the above-mentioned platforms/pages tagging diddi dance and using our birthday hashtags – #diddidance15 & #HappyBirthdaydiddidance to be in with a chance to win! 3 winners will be picked at random from all entrants – 1 on each platform. Entries will be accepted from 4th June to 10th June with the winners being announced on each platform on 11th June as part of #diddidanceroftheweek.

 

Competition Terms & Conditions

  • Competition closes at midnight on 10th June 2018.
  • Open to UK residents only.
  • Free Party is for Facebook entrants only
  • Free half-term of classes for Twitter entrants only
  • Goodie Bag for Instagram entrants only
  • There is no cash or another alternative to the prizes stated above and the prizes are not transferable and no part or parts of the prize may be substituted for other benefits, items or additions. There are also no substitutions/exchanges across platforms.
  • The free party and free half-term of classes vouchers expire 31 December 2018
  • The 3 winners will be chosen from all valid entries placed on the National diddi dance Facebook, Twitter & Instagram pages, and contacted by diddi dance.
  • Prizes will be delivered within 28 days of confirmation of delivery/email address.
  • Prizes are subject to availability and change.
  • By submitting your photograph you give consent for the photograph to be shared on social media by diddi dance.
  • This competition is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

diddi dance nominated in What’s On 4 Little Ones 2018

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diddi dance award nomination preschool toddler dance classesdiddi dance are excited to say we are nominated for two What’s On 4 Kids Awards 2018!

Best Franchised/Licensed Pre-Schooler Activity – 15 to 50 franchisees/licensees
Best Franchised/Licenced Children’s Party Entertainment or Supplier

These awards celebrate the UK’s best children’s clubs and classes, along with leaders and volunteers, party providers, places and activity-based products for children – as nominated and voted for by the experts – parents, carers and parents-to-be.

If you can spare a minute please vote for us then wish us luck for a win!

diddi dance is celebrating 15 years of teaching children to dance!!!

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2018 marks 15 years since diddi dance, the much-loved national dance classes for little ones, launched its first class in Islington, London. To celebrate, diddi dancers & their friends are invited to don their best party attire and attend special party themed dance classes filled with dancing props, games, balloons, bubbles and much more!

toddler dance preschool birthday celebrate partyOver 500 diddi dance classes across the UK will change from the regular 45-minute class structure to that of a special birthday party theme that will be the talk of the tots from the 4th to 10th June 2018. diddi dancers old and new are welcome to attend any of the special party classes during the week in their party best and help us wish diddi dance a happy 15th birthday!

The week-long celebration is an opportunity for diddi dance to give back to the people that helped them grow into the award-winning, national preschool activity that has over 40 franchisees running classes from Aberdeenshire down to Plymouth and has seen over 175,000 children attending classes since the beginning. There will be party goodies for all to take home and 3 competitions running across the national diddi dance Facebook, Twitter & Instagram pages with the chance to win a free diddi dance Birthday Party, a free half-term of diddi dance classes or a diddi dance goodie bag choc full of all our fantastic merchandise, so your diddi one can take the dancing fun home with them as well!

Founded by professional dancer Anne-Marie Martin in 2003, diddi dance has developed over the years to offer a unique, innovative and fun way to get young boys & girls on their feet & moving. Welcoming all little ones from 16 months up to five years and using Anne-Marie’s own original music & choreography, diddi dance covers a variety of dance styles catering to all tastes. This week-long celebration is the perfect fit for the dance classes, which try to inspire children to find the enjoyment of movement from a young age but also improve physical fitness & activity amongst the under 5s inline with the UK Government’s Childhood Obesity Action Plan.

Speaking to Anne-Marie about the milestone she said:

When I was first asked by some parents in North London to start something dance related for their toddlers I didn’t think then that 15 years later diddi dance would be all across the UK encouraging thousands of children to be physically active & finding their confidence through dance. I also love that diddi dance has given other people the opportunity to find a better work/life balance through our franchise opportunity. It’s so exciting to be celebrating our 15th birthday this year and I can’t wait for our party week to share the fun with everyone!”

This celebration comes at a fantastic time for diddi dance as their recognition across the UK continues to grow. Seen as one of the leading providers of preschool dance classes, diddi dance has been featured on Strictly Come Dancing, held partnerships with Little Dish & PJ Masks, worked with charities such as MacMillan Cancer Support & Youth Sport Trust, won many top industry awards and been the go-to class for celebrities such as Amanda Holden, Sara Cox, Katie Price & many more.

 

Why not join the dancing fun today with a FREE trial in any diddi dance class!

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

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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!

New diddi dance classes – April 2018

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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!!!

diddi dance Franchisee wins at 2018 mumandworking awards

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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!”

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