diddi dance

diddi dance Franchisee from Central & North Liverpool Wins at the What’s On 4 Kids Awards 2024

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We recently headed off to the What’s On 4 Kids Awards 2024, a wonderful evening that celebrates and recognises the UK’s children’s activities and businesses.

Running since 2006. these awards have now become the most prestigious and longest running within the sector and allow all children’s activity providers the chance to nominate themselves within both voted and judges categories, there even some special achievement awards too!

We’ve been lucky enough to win over the years, and it’s even more incredible to see our franchisees winning in their own categories as well.

An amazing night at the awards got even better when our very own Kirsty from diddi dance Central & North Liverpool & South Knowsley won the award for ‘most loved music, dance or performing arts’🎉

A huge congratulations also to Naomi from diddi dance Southport, Sefton & West Lancashire who also joined her as a finalist in the category.

We are so proud of them both!

 

diddi dance Celebrates Children’s Activities Week 13-19th May

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Today is the day where we officially start Children’s Activities Week 2024.

We are SO excited to see all the incredible classes over this week and everyone’s fancy dress efforts with our ‘WatchMeFly theme.

Let the celebrations begin where its time for your little ones to learn, explore, and most importantly have fun, whilst raising important funds for the vital work of Caudwell Children.

Any donations are hugely appreciated which can be done here.

You can also download our very own diddi dance ‘I Can Fly’ single from itunes or any other streaming platforms and all proceeds will be donated to Caudwell Children too.

If you’d like to join the fun, you are so welcome! You can contact your local diddi dance for more information or pop your postcode in here to see what classes are running near you.

 

 

All About diddi dance Wrexham, Oswestry, Whitchurch & Malpas

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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

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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

Podcast with MyBump2Baby

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Have a listen to Anne-Marie on a podcast with MyBump2Baby.

MyBump2Baby is an expert podcast, bringing experts all over the UK to answer your questions on everything pregnancy to preschool.

In this episode, have a listen to Anne-Marie Martin, founder of diddi dance, where she talks about baby dance and dancing for toddlers. the benefits of baby and toddler dance classes, when your baby should start dance classes, setting happy habits with your baby through dance, the benefits of dance classes for parents, the mental health benefits of dancing and about dancing with your babies at home with homemade props.

You can have a listen here. We hope you enjoy it.

 

24 hour diddi danceathon for Caudwell Children

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Will you be joining us on Saturday 27th June, to see our founder, Anne-Marie Martin attempt a 24hour diddi danceathon for Caudwell Children?💃🏻🕺🏾

This week should have been Children’s Activities Week 2020 and while we wait for the right time for it to take place, we are excited to help raise vital funds for Caudwell Children’s emergency fundraising appeal.

This awesome charity changes the lives of disabled children by providing access to the services, equipment, therapies and treatments they so desperately need 💚💗💙

We can’t wait for the challenge to begin and see which exciting guests will be joining her online.

If you would like to sponsor Anne-Marie you can do so here 🤩

The event will be streamed live on our diddi dance facebook and instagram pages.

We hope you will join us and all support is welcomed. See you then!

diddi dance in da house!

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We are super excited to announce that we are continuing to provide diddi dance online so you can join in at home direct from your living room.

All our online sessions will be run by our regular teachers to keep your little ones active:

  • exercise for your diddi dancer
  • entertainment
  • continue to help your child’s development whilst at home
  • help to keep a fun routine

We have had awesome feedback from the families who are already joining our online sessions and you can join us too! Contact your local diddi dance here, for all the information and book your place.

We hope you’ll be joining us very soon 🙂

#themovingmission

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“We simply need to move more during the day, throughout the day, every day. I believe we should stop talk about exercise altogether and start thinking instead about movement” David Higgins, Personal Trainer to the Stars.

We want children to be physically active for life and this year we bring you #themovingmission 💚💗💙

Anne-Marie says “Setting healthy habits in children before the age of 5, is so important to how movement is viewed throughout life. Physical activity releases endorphins creating positive emotions and feelings which promote emotional and mental health as well as the obvious health and fitness benefits. It can help relieve stress and enforce body positivity. Activities in the early years are key and by encouraging both genders in non-competitive activities can help with their confidence and social skills.

Being physically active should be fun, something to enjoy and look forward to rather than too disciplined and intimidating. Positively encouraging children to be active will impact their views and behaviours into school and even adult life. My passion lies in dancing although we want to encourage all forms of physical activity with #themovingmission. diddi dance sessions are all-inclusive which we believe promotes acceptance of diversity and all abilities.”

Will you join us in the #themovingmission and encourage a love of moving that will last a lifetime?

Meet our newest franchisees

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We are absolutely thrilled to have had a number of new franchisees join our network here at diddi dance over the last few months. Meet them here to see where they are running fun packed classes, maybe they are local to you? If you’d like to join one of their classes, please contact them below or complete an enquiry form to book a trial here

Josie Ward – Torbay, Central Exeter and Surrounding

“My name is Josie Ward and I am the owner of diddi dance Torbay, Central Exeter and surrounding areas. I started dancing at the age of 2 years and have never stopped! I have previously worked as a dancer/entertainer across the U.K, mainly at holiday parks- performing in shows and running daytime and evening children’s entertainment. I have recently completed my Level 3 Early Years Educator course at South Devon college whilst working as a Nursery Nurse within Torquay. Having gained all my experience, I really have found a gap in the market for diddi dance in Torbay/Exeter which really benefit children’s physical and social development, whilst in a fun, relaxed environment. I am so excited to meet and dance with you all.”

Charlotte Burgess – Shrewsbury & South Telford

“I started my diddi dance journey teaching classes in 2017 and am now excited to be bringing more classes to Shrewsbury and South Telford as a franchisee. I keep very busy in my spare time with my three children who love practicing different dance routines with me at home, especially all the cool moves from diddi dance Hip Hop!”

 

 

Kristina Jones – Wrexham, Owestry, Whitchurch & Malpas

“Having danced since a young age I always wanted to be a dance teacher, and luckily for me a local job opportunity lead me to diddi dance! I love our classes and cant wait to share my passion for dance with as many people as possible through diddi dance sessions! Whether you’re young or old, what can beat a boogie?!”

 

 

 

Natalie Battista – South Manchester, North of Cheshire East & Macclesfield

“Hi my name is Natalie and I run diddi dance South Manchester, after the opportunity came up to take over at the end of 2019 having been a diddi dance teacher in the area since 2014.
I have been dancing my whole life along with acting and singing and started my career early as one of Ken Dodd’s Diddymen touring theatres throughout the UK as a child. I spent part of my adult life working as a professional dancer in family shows abroad and entertaining children of all ages throughout the day. I then went onto dance and sing in tribute shows touring the UK. I also do modelling and have had small TV roles as well.
I now have 2 beautiful children, who have also been diddi dancers and I wanted to carry on with my love of dancing so this lead me to teaching for diddi dance which I thoroughly enjoy, so running it was the perfect next step.
I look forward to meeting and dancing with you all xxx”

 

 

 

 

 

New classes starting January 2020

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funky preschool dance classes girls boys

We have new classes starting in the new year, January 2020. See below what’s running in your area and contact your local diddi dance to join in the fun.

Our new theme for January will be Hip Hop!

 

diddi dance York, Ryedale, Selby & Surrounding:

  • Starting Monday 13th January @ 10.30 – The Avenues Children Centre, Sixth Avenue, York, YO31 0TX
  • Starting Thursday 16th January @ 1.45pm – Oakengrove Community Centre, Reid Park, Haxby, York, YO32 3QW

diddi dance Wirral & South Liverpool:

  • Starting Monday 6th January @ 11.15am –  Greenbank Sports academy (Brunswick room), Greenbank Lane, Liverpool, Merseyside, L17 1AG
  • Sarting Friday 10th January @ 10am – St.Michaels in the Hamlet Church, Belgrave Road, Liverpool, Merseyside, L17 7AG
  • Starting Wednesday 22nd January @ 1.45pm every other week – intergenerational session at Arundel Park (Sanctuary Park), Sefton Park Road, Liverpool, L8 0WN

diddi dance Wrexham, Oswestry, Whitchurch & Malpas:

  • Starting Tuesday 7th January @ 10.45am – Funzone Playbarn Whitchurch, Unit 12 Digital Court, Waymills Ind Est, Whitchurch, SY13 1TT
  • Starting Thursday 9th January @ 1.30pm – Wem Town Hall, 28-32 High Street, Wem, Shrewsbury, SY4 5DG

diddi dance Loughborough, Hinckley, Oadby & Surrounding:

  • Starting Monday 6thJanuary @ 10am – Brock’s Hill Visitor Centre, Brocks Hill Country Park, Washbrook Ln, Oadby, Leicester LE2 5JJ
  • Starting Tuesday 7th January @ 10:30am – Marwood Care Home (intergenerational session), 57 Ashby Road, Loughborough LE12 9BS

diddi dance Bristol:

  • Starting Friday 10th January @ 10:00am – St.George Community Centre, Church Road, St.George, BS5 8AA
  • Starting Saturday 11th January @ 9:30am – St.Barts Church Hall, Maurice Road, St.Andrews Park, BS6 5BZ

diddi dance North London:

  • Starting Friday 10th January @ 9.30am – Huggle, 8-10 Winchester Road, London, NW3 3NT

diddi dance Bromley, Dulwich & Surrounding

  • Starting Friday 10th January @ 9.30am – The Grove Centre, 2 Jews Walk, Sydenham, London, SE26 6PL

diddi dance Torbay, Central Exeter & Surrounding:

  • Starting Monday 6th January @ 10.45am – Whitestone Parish Halls, Merrymeet, Whitestone,, Exeter EX4 2JS
  • Starting Tuesday 4th February @ 10am – Devon Mamma Studios, Winners 2000 Fitness Ltd, Aspen Way, Paignton, TQ4 7QR

 

toddler hip hop street dance

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