diddi dance

Welcome a new franchisee to the Mid & East Surrey Franchise

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For those of you who may or may not know Mid & East Surrey franchisee Danielle Greetham recently made the though decision to sell on her franchise. After putting the business up for sale a wonderful friend and fellow dance teacher in the area came along to take it over, Nadine Parsons-Innes!

Nadine will be taking over the management and direction of all classes and sessions running in the area and will be looking to expand into new area over the coming months.

Feel free to email Nadine directly now via [email protected] to join any of the classes already running the area or to express your interest in having a class open near you!

 

A little bit more about Nadine:

Tell us a bit about yourself and your family:

My name is Nadine and I am a Principal of a Performing Arts School and a mum of 4! I have two step sons, Jack & Billy a daughter, Autumn-Skie, a son Cody and baby number 5 due in October!!!!

I am a very passionate and energetic person who is not shy of a hard days work, and am very driven by my passion of performing arts. I have taken all my teaching qualifications with the ISTD and am working towards become an examiner.

What did you do before diddi dance?

I am a professional dancer and have worked with lots of influential people in the performing arts industry, traveling the world and living the dream, having the very best time. I have worked with a big production company in the USA and with them had the opportunity to work and network in Las Vegas and performed alongside Cirque Soleli. I worked with Celebrity cruises for 6 ½ years and seen all the wonders of the world. I have also had the pleasure of doing commercial work and working with some of the more current pop stars of today.

How were you affiliated with your new diddi dance franchise before taking it over?

My path crossed with a lovely lady whom had a diddi franchise on a teaching course and I had seen the posters around. We became friends and shared the same passion for teaching and love for children. I felt that she had come to a stand point and I was in the right place at the right time, with the support of my family I can build the franchise and utilise my area.

What made you want to take on an already established diddi dance?

Lots of reasons made me want to take an already established diddi dance but the main ones were because I knew of the standard of teaching, I know the teachers and because I felt like I could help by continuing the hard work of the existing owner. We both share the same passion and enthusiasm. I have also been running my school in the middle of this area and feel like I have several connections I can use to build in mid Surrey. I can also feed the classes eventually into the main school giving the pupils of diddi the opportunity to continue with the dance styles they learn and have explored.

And finally, what are you looking forward to the most with your new diddi dance franchise?

Mostly I am looking forward to the freedom of movement. Although in a structured settings, the themes give the diddi dancers the freedom to explore the styles and to perhaps do some of the things that I didn’t do as a child. I think in today’s world the children have so many options and as a parent it’s always difficult to know if you are doing the right thing for your children. diddi dance is a fun and exciting way to introduce exercise and healthy living and it’s really a good excuse to spread more of my love and passion for dance. And least of all to see the parents having a good go too!!! It’s all great fun and character building!!

New diddi dance classes for May & June 2016

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We have a few new classes that opened in May and a few more starting in June so we wanted to be sure you know about all of them. Hopefully there is one opening near you if you haven’t been before!

diddi dance Wolverhampton, South Staffordshire & Stafford:

  • From 10th June, Fridays @ 10:00am – Silkmore Children’s Centre, Exeter Street, Stafford, ST17 4EG
    £4 per class – parents will need to be registered or willing to register with the children’s centre before attending the class.

diddi dance Leicestershire:

  • From 8th May, Sundays @ 10:00am – Walter Charles Community Centre, Wigston Road, Oadby, LE25QE

diddi dance Swindon, Cirencester, Chippenham, Tetbury & Surrounding:

  • From 10th June, Fridays @ 1.30pm – Cricklade Town Hall Annexe, 113 High St, Cricklade, Swindon, SN6 6AE

diddi dance West London:

  • From 5th May, Thursdays @9.30am & 10.30am – Cineworld Cinema, 142 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London, SW10 9QR

We hope you can join us for our NEW theme:

Why not book your FREE trial for one of these new classes today! Or to sign up for a block of classes head over to our Booking Page.

 

diddi dance wins Family Friendly Franchise Award

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diddi dance Top franchise awards certificatesOn Tuesday, 17 May diddi dance was honoured to win the Family Friendly Franchise Award at the 2016 Workingmums.co.uk Top Franchise Awards. The awards celebrate the best family friendly franchisors and franchisees. Sponsored by Lawbite, they 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.
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During an online ceremony diddi dance franchisees and our franchisor, Anne-Marie, listened on as we were announced the winner of such a great category described as recognising “franchisors that offer the best Family Friendly concept.”

To hear diddi dance being choosen as the winner and all the reasons why the judges thought we were deserving of the award view the video below!

When founder and franchisor Anne-Marie was asked about the win she said:

Being recognised as a flexible family business highlights the work we have put in to ensuring our franchise opportunity is not only a financially viable option but also  an perfect choice for parents wanting to return to work. As a working parent myself I understand the challenges in finding a good work/life balance, which is why I am so passionate about running a company that supports flexible working life.

For more information on the awards including the other winners and the judges please click here for award’s press release.

To be part of an award winning franchise company just click here for more information!

diddi dance Franchisee Training is Endorsed by EMD Academy

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Recently diddi dance went through the rigorous process to have their training course all franchisees go through to be able to take on their diddi dance business analysed and accessed by EMD Academy and from this process our training course has now been endorsed!

diddi dance EMDP Endorsement Cerificate

Our pre-training, training and continued support of our franchisees were checked to be of the highest and up to date standards and this month we received our certificate of endorsement from the EMD Academy. Every year we will now go through a check-up process to make sure we are keeping up with their outlined standards, giving not only our franchisees & teachers piece of mind about the training they are receiving but also customers.

The EMD Academy says of their endorsements:

This quality stamp of approval not only gives peace of mind to your trainees knowing they’re attending a recognised course, but it also gives class participants confidence that they’re attending a session taught by an appropriately qualified instructor.”

diddi dance now has a quality stamp from the sector’s National Governing Body training provider for Exercise, Movement and Dance!

diddi dance Franchisee First to Achieve CAA Gold Accreditation

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caa goldEarly this year diddi dance was proud to announce we were the first fully accredited preschool activity of the newly established Children’s Activity Association, a national service to deliver unbiased advice to parents.

After founder Anne-Marie completed the accreditation process for diddi dance she decided to offer the same accreditation to each diddi dance Franchisee, so each of them could check their business meets the company’s now Gold level standards. This past month Anne-Marie & diddi dance were thrilled to personally accredit their first franchisee, Joanna Oastler who runs diddi dance Eastbourne, Uckfield & Hastings. Joanna launched her local diddi dance classes in January 2013 and since then has developed her business successfully in her area and continues to grow as the demand does.

050412_0038bWhen informed of her achievement, Joanna commented:

I am absolutely thrilled to have achieved this accreditation award with the CAA. With so many activities on offer aimed at preschoolers it can be daunting choosing the right one for your little one. As a mum to 2 young boys myself it is important to me that parents can be assured that the activity we offer at diddi dance has been specifically designed and tailored to support a preschoolers early years development, as well as at its core simply being FUN!

This gold accreditation also reassures parents that we have all the relevant insurance, DBS, health & safety policies and equipment checks in place as well as having undergone rigorous assessments of our teaching methods and techniques.

I love diddi dance and I want my parents to enjoy it as much as I do, safe in the knowledge that we care enough about their little ones to maintain the highest possible standards for our classes.

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

All of our franchisees are trained and monitored to our high standards, however having gone through this accreditation process ourselves we realised the benefit of asking our franchisees to check their Code of Practice, as well. We only just achieved this accreditation ourselves in February 2016, so for Joanna to be our first franchisee to reach the Gold level in May shows that she has really analysed and assessed that her business is inline with Head Office’s accreditation. We are so proud that everything from her class delivery to customer service to policies and documentations all met our highest standards.

Congratulations again to Joanna and her franchise. If you would like more information about diddi dance Eastbourne, Uckfield & Hastings visit the Facebook page here or read all about Joanna by clicking here.

All about diddi dance Franchisee Joanna Oastler

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Joanna diddi dancediddi dance Franchisee Joanna Oastler who runs diddi dance Eastbourne, Uckfield & Hastings recently became the first diddi dance franchisee to be fully accredited through the Children’s Activity Association. To read all about her recent achievement just click here.

Because of this success of hers, we at diddi dance wanted to take the time to tell you all about Joanna and her franchise here!

How long have you been with diddi dance?

I’ve been with diddi dance for just over 3 years now, opening my first class in January 2013. Wow, that’s gone really fast. I can’t believe I’m into my fourth year!

What did you do before joining diddi dance?

I joined diddi dance when my maternity leave came to an end following the arrival of my second child, having been introduced to the classes when searching for a fun activity for my toddler. In my pre-diddi dance life, I trained and worked as an actor, eventually working at my old drama school up until the birth of my second little boy.

050412_0038bWhat do you love most about diddi dance and running your own business?

I have the flexibility of working around family commitments and although it’s hard work the beauty of it being my business is that I can decide to grow and develop it at the pace that I want and am able to.

Through running my own business I have developed a greater sense of self-esteem and belief in what I can achieve. I’ve grown in confidence myself from teaching diddi dance and it’s given me a perfect outlet for combining my previous performance/drama training and administrative skills. This time I get to do it for myself.

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

Nothing beats the feedback you get from parents about their little ones and their enjoyment of diddi dance. Our classes are designed to help build confidence and social skills, as well as provide a high energy activity class developing 050412_0258rhythm, co-ordination and motor skills. It’s an amazing feeling when you see a little one come along to class, who is incredibly shy and unsure about joining in and then gradually, they start to engage and participate more and more. It can happen in the space of a couple of classes and sometimes it can take a little longer but it can bring around a huge change in them, that transfers across into other aspects of their life, and it’s amazing to think that you have played a positive part in that.

That’s just one aspect of our classes that makes a real difference and I am so proud to be associated with something that can have that effect.

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

It’s tricky to pick one thing out of all the different things that have happened over the last 3 years. Our big Christmas party events are always very special for me as it’s such a magical time of year, even more so for little ones of the age we have in class. Plus, I’m a massive kid at heart when it comes to Christmas, I just love it. So I really enjoy the build up and all the preparations that goes into hosting the Christmas party each year and then when the day comes around, it’s amazing to see everyone having so much fun. Last year, I hosted our first Halloween party and that was a massive hit so we will definitely be doing another this year – watch this space!

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

Opening more classes! I have plans to open further sessions across the Eastbourne, Uckfield & Hastings areas so that we can bring the joy of diddi dance to even more toddlers in our territory.

What do you enjoy most about your diddi dance?

The fact that’s it’s my job! It somehow feels wrong to have so much fun at work! I’m not going to lie, I’m human and there are days when you get out of bed and wish you didn’t have to. But I get to class, set up the music & props and as the little ones drift in with big smiles and rush up to tell you news of their latest plaster covered “boo-boo” or to show off their new shoes, I can’t help but forget everything else and genuinely have the best time leading the class.

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What do you enjoy most about being your own Boss?

What’s not to like about being your own Boss? I think the opportunity and flexibility to manage your own time around other commitments such as my boys and my responsibilities as a mother. Obviously, it’s incredibly hard work and it sometimes feels like you don’t get time to just relax and switch off which I think a 9-5 job can give you but equally, you get out of your business what you put in and the rewards and sense of achievement you gain far outweigh this.

I am so lucky that I am able to spend some quality time with my youngest boy whilst he is still at home before heading off to school in September, whilst being able to manage running my classes around his nursery hours. It’s diddi dance that has given me that with both my sons and it’s precious time I would not have otherwise had.

What does the CAA accreditation mean to you?

caa goldI am absolutely thrilled to have achieved this accreditation with the CAA. With so many activities on offer aimed at preschoolers it can be daunting choosing the right one for your little one. As a mum of 2 young boys myself it is important to me that parents can be assured that the activity we offer at diddi dance has been specifically designed and tailored to support a preschoolers early years development, as well as at its core simply being FUN!

This Gold accreditation also reassured parents that we have all the relevant insurance, DBS, health & safety policies and equipment checks in place as well as having undergone rigorous assessment of our teaching methods and techniques.

I love diddi dance and I want our parents to enjoy it as much as me, safe in the knowledge that we care enough about their little one to maintain the highest possible standards for our classes.

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

I honestly don’t know how to choose a favourite diddi dance theme. Everytime we start a new half term I find myself telling the grown ups in class that the theme we are about to start is my favourite. I’m sure they think I’m just “selling” the theme to them!

I really love our Bollywood and our Disco themes, the songs we have are complete “ear-worms” and our current theme, Country is such a fun one too and gets all the grown-ups “Yee-hawing”. However, I think my all-time favourite is probably Jive because it’s so energetic, I LOVE the song and we run it in the lead up to Christmas. It gets absolutely everyone on their feet and it’s amazing seeing all our diddi’s hand-jiving with their grown ups or each other.

Having said that, I cannot wait to try our brand new Hula theme which is coming up this Summer, the song is amazing!

Joanna currently has multiple classes running across her exclusive area. They are as follows:

  • Mondays @ 9.30 & 10.30am  – St Elisabeth’s Church, Victoria Drive, Eastbourne
  • Mondays @10am – Uckfield Youth Centre, Downsview Crescent, Uckfield
  • Tuesdays @1.45pm – Trinity Church, Coppice Avenue, Willingdon
  • Wednesdays @9.45am – Hastings Centre, The Ridge, Hastings
  • Wednesdays @ 10am – Framfield Parish Church, Brookhouse Lane, Framfield
  • Thursdays @ 10am – Heathfield Youth Centre, High Street, Heathfield
  • Thursdays @ 11am – Hampden Park Community Hall, Brodrick Road, Eastbourne
  • Thursdays @1.45pm – Hailsham Methodist Church, High Street, Hailsham
  • Fridays @10am – Y Centre, Saint Paul’s Road, St Leonards
  • Saturdays @9.30 & 10.30am – Regency Park Community Centre, Wartling Rd, Eastbourne

To attend any of the above classes or to express interest in have a FREE trial get in touch with Joanna today! You can email her on [email protected] or fill in our free enquiry form by clicking here.

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diddi dance Essex at 3foot People Festival 2016

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diddi dance Jennifer and CarolineDid you know that diddi dance Essex are attending the 3foot People Festival this year? Well they are, so we want to be sure you knew so you could tag along with your diddi and see them if you will be in the Chelmsford area end of June!

The 3foot People Festival returns to Hylands Park on 28, 29 & 30 June, 2016.

Caroline and Jennifer, who run diddi dance Essex, are very excited to be attending the 3ft People Festival on 28th, 29th and 30th June, for the third year running!  This festival is the largest under 5s outdoor event in the country.   This award winning Festival (Best Family Event 2015 Primary Times, Best Event 2015 Essex Mums, Best Event or Festival 2015 Essex Tourism and Hospitality Awards, nomination for Public Event of the Year 2015 Event Production Awards) curated especially for pre-school children, welcomes nearly 14,000 big (and little) people across 3 days within the beautiful grounds of Hylands Estate.

diddi dance Essex will have sessions taking place on the Music & Movement 2 Tent each day at the following times:

10.00am – 10.30am
11.30am – 12.00pm
1.15pm – 1.45pm

Parents, carers and children are always overwhelmed with wonder as they experience this unique Festival. The village of tents, tepees and domes host an array of activities and performances to inspire and entertain all day long.  When we asked Caroline & Jennifer about their attendance they said, “We love attending this event as we meet lots of new future diddi dancers!  Look forward to dancing with you all in June!”

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diddi dance Essex will be among the entertainment everyday of the festival. Be sure to stop by, say ‘Hi’ and join in on a session or two while you are there. For more information about the festival or to see who else is going to be there just click here.

If you can’t make it to the festival remember you can get your FREE trial by clicking here or any of our other locations via our Contact Page.

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New diddi dance classes for April & May 2016

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We have a many Franchisees who opened new classes in April and have some new classes starting in May so we wanted to be sure you know about all of them. Hopefully there is one opening near you if you haven’t been before!

diddi dance Aberdeenshire:

  • From 18th April, Monday @ 9:45am – The Axis Centre, 9 School Road, Newmachar, Aberdeenshire, AB21 0WB
  • From 21st April, Thursdays @ 10:15am – This class is moving from Mile End School to Ferryhill Community Centre, Albury Road, Aberdeen, AB11 6TN

diddi dance South Sheffield & Dronfield:

  • From 4th April, Mondays @9.30am – Gleadless United Reformed Church, Hollinsend Road, Gleadless , Sheffield, S17 2NP
  • From 26th April, Tuesdays @ 11:00am – St. Paul’s Church and Parish Centre, Norton Lees Lane, Norton Lees, Sheffield, S8 9BD

diddi dance South Liverpool & Halton:

  • From 24th March, Thursdays @ 11:00am – Kidz Fantasy Land, Unit 2, Montrose Retail Park, Binns Road off Edge Lane, Liverpool, L7 9NF
    All participants who attend these classes will also get a free play session at Kidz Fantasy Land after their diddi dance class.
  • From 13th April, Wednesdays @ 10:00am – Jungle Fun, 1 Belle Vale Shopping Centre, Liverpool, L25 2RF
    All participants who attend these classes will also get 50% discount on a play session at Jungle Fun after their diddi dance class.

diddi dance Wirral:

  • From 21st April, Thursdays @ 10:00am – This class will be moving from Monkey Biz (Fun 4 All) Bromborough to Unit 7, Croft retail and leisure park, Bromborough, CH62 3PN

diddi dance Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Sutton Coldfield & Surrounding:

  • From 9th April, Saturdays @ 11:00am – Thomas Spencer Hall, Whittington, Near Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS14 9JX
  • From 15th April, Fridays @ 10:15am – Cannock Chase Children’s Centre, Cannock Road, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 5BU
  • From 15th April, Fridays @ 11:00am – St Johns Community Church, High Street, Chase Terrace, Staffordshire, WS7 1LR

diddi dance Leicestershire:

  • From 14th April, Thursdays @ 11:15am – Wild Kidz Indoor Play Centre, 18-20 new buildings, Hinckley, LE10 1HW
    Unlimited soft play for £2 after class
  • From 8th May, Sundays @  10:00am – Walter Charles Community Centre, Wigston Road, Oadby, LE25QE

diddi dance Essex:

  • From 11th April, Mondays @ 2:00pm – The King Edward Community Centre, King Edwards Way, Laindon, Basildon, SS15 6JF
    This is in addition to our currently running 1:00pm class.

diddi dance Swindon, Cirencester, Chippenham, Tetbury & Surrounding:

  • From 22nd April, Fridays @ 10:00am – the Bingham Hall, King Street, Cirencester, GL7 1JT

diddi dance Colchester, Maldon, Halstead & Tendring:

  • From 19th April, Tuesdays @ 10:00am – Clacton Brotherhood Community Hall, 28 St Osyth Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 3BW
  • From 14th April, Thursdays @ 10:00am – Pas De Deux Dance Studio, The Green, Main Road, Harwich, CO12 4NJ

diddi dance West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, Marlow and Tadley:

  • From 20th April, Wednesdays @ 9.45am – Sulhamstead & Ufton Nervet Village Hall, Springwell Cottage, Sulhamstead Hill, Sulhamstead, Reading, RG7 4DA

diddi dance West London:

  • From 5th May, Thursdays @9.30am & 10.30am – Cineworld Cinema, 142 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London, SW10 9QR

We hope you can join us for our current theme:

Why not book your FREE trial for one of these new classes today! Or to sign up for a block of classes head over to our Booking Page.

New diddi dance Franchise – South Sheffield & Dronfield

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We here at diddi dance HO would like to take this opportunity to welcome our newest franchisee, Amanda, who will be running the new franchise – diddi dance South Sheffield & Dronfield.

Amanda’s first classes launching in April are:

  • Mondays @ 9.30am – Gleadless United Reformed Church, Hollinsend Road , Gleadless , Sheffield, S17 2NP
  • Tuesdays @ 11:00am – St. Paul’s Church and Parish Centre, Norton Lees Lane, Norton Lees, Sheffield, S8 9BD

There are more classes to be launched over the next few weeks so if you are interested in attending a class or you are wanting to book your toddler onto the above class fill in our Book a Free Trial form and address it to Amanda or email her directly by clicking here 🙂

 

A little bit more about Amanda:

Tell us a bit about yourself and your family:

My name is Amanda Tyas. I have been married to Andrew for nearly 20 years and have two sons Matthew who is nearly 18 and Oliver who is 15.

What did you do before diddi dance?

I am a qualified IDTA dance teacher and have run my own school, the Amanda Holland School of Dance, for over 25 years. Alongside this, I brought my two boys up doing the school runs and ferrying them about to their various after school activities. I was also a founder member and choreographer for Easy Street Theatre Company a youth theatre which prides itself on preparing young actors, dancers and singers for careers in the business. However all this is mostly evening work and as my boys grew more independent, I found myself twiddling my thumbs during the day – which brings me to diddi dance…

Why did you choose a diddi dance franchise?

Whilst twiddling my thumbs, I came up with the idea of a toddler class at the dance school during the day. However, my lack of experience in dealing with this age group quickly became obvious and I turned to the internet for ideas. An internet search turned up the usual suspects but none of these appealed to me, I was however drawn to one I had never heard of – diddi dance. The more I investigated, the more I was sure that this franchise was for me. A trip to London confirmed this and my journey with diddi dance began. I love the classes, the music and the props. It really is completely different to anything I have taught before and the fact that we can take it into nurseries, preschools and primary schools combined with providing original fun filled parties makes diddi dance stand out from the rest. Anne-Marie, Rebecca and Helena have been encouraging and supportive from the off and I really feel I cannot fail with their expertise behind me.

What are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forwards to watching my diddi dancers develop from shy toddlers to confident preschoolers as they progress through the diddi dance program. I am also looking forwards to my first party – just so I can use my bubble machine!

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

I think my favourite diddi dance theme is going to be either Flamenco or Bollywood although I also like the Country and Irish themes. Actually I can’t pick one – I can’t wait to teach them all!

 

Amanda’s classes started during our Country theme so don’t forget to book your FREE trial today!

diddi dance Shortlisted in Top Franchise Awards!

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Franchise-Awards-logo_RGB_shorlisteddiddi dance Franchising has been shortlisted in The 2016 Workingmums.co.uk Top Franchise Awards for the Supportive Franchisor Award and the Family Friendly Franchise Award! The awards, which are in their first year, celebrate the best family friendly franchisors and franchisees. For more information and to see who else has been shortlisted just click here.
 

Also nominated in these awards are two of our franchisees – Caroline & Jennifer who run diddi dance Essex and Emma who runs diddi dance Central Warrington & Central Cheshire and diddi dance North Shropshire, Telford & North West Stoke-on-Trent. They have both been nominated for Franchisee of the Year!
top franchise awards
This is a publicly voted category so feel free to lend your support to one or both of our franchises by clicking here. Voting ends 15 April.

Winners in all categories will be announced on 17th May 2016, so watch this space in May!

To be part of an already award winning dance franchise in 2015, hoping to continue that streak in 2016, get in touch today!

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