diddi dance

diddi dance Annual Conference 2023

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Last weekend was our diddi dance annual conference, and wow did we have the best time 🙌

Coming together, to learn, share knowledge, have fun and of course DANCE (check out our social media stories) and we celebrated our 20th year! 

A huge thanks to our fabulous guest speaker Jen Chapman-Boffin and to all of our wonderful Franchisees for making the conference and diddi dance what it is 💚💙💗

Could YOU be part of the diddi dance crew? Want to be at our conference next year? Here’s what we got up to this year. 

Join our next open day on Wednesday 26th July to find out more. Register your interest here with Donna, our Franchise Recruitment Manager or to find out more information visit our franchise page. 

Congratulations to our award winners: 

Debutante:

Runner up – Sophie Barnard, diddi dance Winchester

    

WINNER – Jo Sikking, diddi dance Woodford & Walthamstow

Developer: Naomi Sumner, diddi dance Stockport

Diva: 

Runner up – Laura Makinson, diddi dance Cheshire East & West

  

WINNER – Bethany Bianga, diddi dance Reading

EN POINT TEACHER Charlotte Leigh-Dowbiggin

Doer:  1ST WINNER – Charlotte Burgess, diddi dance Shropshire

  

2ND WINNER – Kristina Jones, diddi dance North East Wales

Discusser: 

Runner up –  Josie Ward, diddi dance Torbay & Exeter

WINNER – Suzie Harley, diddi dance Wirral & South Liverpool

Deliverer: 

Runner up – Liz and Rachael, diddi dance Plymouth

WINNER – Kirsty Barker, diddi dance Central & North Liverpool

Driver: 

Runner up – Dani Meighen, diddi dance Sunderland

WINNER – Cos Menezes, diddi danec Enfield, Potters Bar & Cheshunt    

Dude:

Runner up – Suzie Harley, diddi dance Wirral & South Liverpool

   

WINNER – Jane Mitchell, diddi dance Bexley & Dartford

Dame:  Gina Kane, diddi dance West London

diddi dance Wins at Disruptive Franchise Awards 2023

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Yesterday we attended the Disruptive Franchise Awards at The Oxfordshire Golf, Hotel & Spa, where thanks to so many of your votes we were awarded the ‘Best Online Presence’ award sponsored by Charlie Day Sales

We had had a fabulous day with Kristina Jones of diddi dance North East Wales who was finalist in the ‘Most Disruptive Franchisee’ category.

Of course there was time for a celebratory Tik Tok with original diddi dancer Anne-Marie  🙌

As always, thank you for your continued support 🤩

 

 

 

diddi dance Finalists in Disruptive Franchise Awards 2023

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📣Exciting news 📣

diddi dance are finalists in the #DisruptiveFranchiseAwards 2023 🎉
We need your help to win please vote for us here
The Disruptive Franchise Awards recognise UK based franchise businesses who successfully transform existing markets or create new ones through their disruptive strategies, products, services or approaches in their industries. The Disruptive Franchise Awards take pride in rewarding disruptive franchise brands that push boundaries, develop new initiatives, are progressive and hungry to be the best they can be to future proof their networks and have a bigger impact on a wider audience.

diddi dance Nominated in the What’s On 4 Kids Awards 2023 – Voting Now Open

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📣Voting is now open 📣

 

We are so proud to have six nominations in the prestigious What’s On 4 Kids Awards 2023.

The What’s On 4 Kids National Children’s Activities Awards awards are now in their 17th year . and are the most prestigious and longest running awards for the sector.

diddi dance are nominated for the Judged category ‘ Diversity & Inclusion Champion’ and we have five nominations that need YOUR VOTES:

💙Dani Meighen of diddi dance Sunderland – Most loved Activity Leader or business manager – North England

💚Kirsty Barker of diddi dance Central & North Liverpool & South Knowsley – Most Loved Music, Dance or performing arts Activity- Franchise or License territory.

💗Jane Mitchell of diddi dance Bexley & Dartford diddi dance Bexley & Dartford – Most Loved Music, Dance or performing arts Activity- Franchise or License territory.

💙Kristina Jones of diddi dance Wrexham– Most Loved Music, Dance or performing arts Activity- Franchise or License territory.

💚Cara Mitchell from diddi dance Bexley & Dartford – Most loved Activity Leader or business manager – South East England

 

Voting will close on 24th July at 12 noon.

Thank you for your continued support 🤩

You can vote here now! 

 

 

 

All About diddi dance Shrewsbury & South Telford

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diddi dance franchisee Charlotte who runs diddi dance Shrewsbury & South Telford 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 Charlotte and diddi dance Shrewsbury & South Telford:

 

 

How long have you been with diddi dance?

I started dancing with diddi dance in 2017 and bought the franchise in 2019.

What did you do before joining diddi dance?

I worked in an office for an online retailer which sold… men’s underwear!

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

I love meeting new families and seeing little ones exploring all our fun dance moves.

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

Being part of a franchise network and meeting so many likeminded women has been the best thing about becoming a diddi dance franchisee. The joint festivals and fairs I have done with other local business owners have all been amazing!

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

The 2022 annual AGM has been my personal highlight. As I took on my franchise not long before the first lock down, I had to wait nearly three years before going to diddi HQ and meeting lots of the franchisees. I also won the ‘diddi diva’ franchisee award for biggest growth – it felt great to know my business was bouncing back after covid.

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

Growing my territory and getting more of Shropshire diddi dancing!

What do you enjoy most about your diddi dance?

Working in an industry that I feel so passionate about is amazing. Dancing with children and their families never feels like work!

What do you enjoy most about being your own Boss?

The flexibility which means I can be there for school pick ups and other events.

What does the CAA accreditation mean to you?

I am so proud to have been independently accredited to give parent’s peace of mind that we have professional policies and procedures in place to keep children safe and happy at diddi dance (as well as having lots of fun in class!). For me this is a really important achievement ensuring that I am providing the best service I can for families.

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

My favourite theme is Bollywood! I love seeing the diddi dancers grow in confidence to make their flower line together and the moves are really fun to explore in class.

 

     

 

diddi dance Shrewsbury & South Telford currently has multiple classes running across their exclusive area. Contact Charlotte directly if you’d like to attend a class:

 

Mondays:

Darwin Community Centre, Frankwell, Shrewsbury, SY3 8JS

 

Tuesdays:

9.45am Panda-monium Play Centre, Horsehay, Telford, TF4 3EE

1.30pm Hollinswood Community Centre, 7 Downemead, Hollinswood, Telford, TF3 2EW

 

Wednesdays:

1.30pm The Victoria Hall, Broseley, TF12 5EX

 

Thursdays:

9.45am @ Wem Town Hall, High Street, Wem, SY4 5DG

11am @ Medieval Madness, J & K Vanguard Way, Shrewsbury, SY1 3TG

 

Fridays:

9.30am @ St John’s Church Hall, Dawley Road, Telford, TF4 2PD

9.30am and 10.30am @ Mereside Community Centre, Mereside, Shrewsbury, SY2 6LH

 

Saturdays:

9.30am @ Bicton Village Hall, Church Lane, Shrewsbury, SY3 8ET

 

diddi dance Shrewsbury & South Telford 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 Shrewsbury & South Teford 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 Shrewsbury & South Telford’s passion for excellence.

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

Over 200,000 children a week now attend a CAA member activity and it is a truly fantastic endorsement for diddi dance Shrewsbury & South Telford to be part of this ground-breaking national initiative. Charlotte’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.

Charlotte took over diddi dance Shrewsbury & South Telford 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 Shrewsbury & South Telford 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 Charlotte’s success:

In an unregulated industry, we pride ourselves on delivering sessions of the highest standard and accreditation from the CAA gives parents peace of mind. Charlotte is an outstanding member of the diddi dance crew and that’s why she’s gold accredited

Adding to this Charlotte of diddi dance Shrewsbury & South Telford said:

I am so proud to have been independently accredited to give parent’s peace of mind that we have professional policies and procedures in place to keep children safe and happy at diddi dance (as well as having lots of fun in class!). For me this is a really important achievement ensuring that I am providing the best service I can for families

Congratulations again to Charlotte and her franchise. If you would like more information about diddi dance Shrewsbury & South Telford visit the Facebook page here or read all about them by clicking here

diddi dance Celebrates 6th Year in the Elite Franchise Top 100 at Celebratory Evening in London

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Last week we were delighted to celebrate our 6th consecutive year in the Elite Franchise Top 100 at the Tower Hotel, soaking up the fabulous views of London including Tower Bridge. The EF100 recognises and celebrates the industry’s leading franchises. We are so proud to have made it for another year.

Anne-Marie Martin, founder of diddi dance, who also runs diddi dance Royal Borough of Greenwich & Lewisham,  and Jane Mitchell of diddi dance Bexley & Dartford caught up with so many wonderful friends and colleagues in the Franchising world, and diddi dance were nominated in the ‘Rising Star of the Year’ category. It was a fantastic evening.

 

Nominate Your diddi dance Teacher for the What’s On 4 Kids Awards

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Have you nominated your diddi dance teacher yet?

The What’s On 4 Kids Awards are the most prestigious and longest running awards in the children’s activities sector, now in their 17th year.

Would you like to nominate your diddi dance teacher or Franchisee? Time is running out as the deadline is midday on Friday 24th March so click here if you would like to and to find out more information.

We are proud to have received nominations already so thank you for all your support.

diddi dance Plymouth & Surrounding Win Great British Franchise Award 2023

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We are absolutely delighted to announce that Liz & Rachael from diddi dance Plymouth & Surrounding have become a winner at the Great British Franchise Awards 2023 from Which Franchise. These awards are in recognition of outstanding franchisees who demonstrate the ability to perform exceptionally well in all areas of their business. 

“Dance school owners Liz Kelly and Rachel Martin have spent most of their seven years in business together laughing – and now they have something else to smile about after landing a major industry award. The women behind diddi dance in Plymouth have won a Great British Franchisee Award, the highest honour in the franchising world. But their path to success found itself blocked by Covid – and the pandemic certainly kept them on their toes”.

 

“We suffered a real setback in the growth of our business during the pandemic,” says Liz, “ but we were able to overcome the first lockdown by taking our classes online. All of our customers were delighted to be able to continue their Diddi dancing ,and it broke up their day and kept the little ones active when no-one was allowed to leave the house. We’re both extremely passionate about what we do, and we’ve spent most of the time laughing. How many people can say that when running a business?”

 

Anne-Marie Martin, founder of the diddi dance network, agrees, “Liz and Rachel have been with Diddi Dance since 2016 and work brilliantly as a partnership,” she says. “They have teachers who run classes for them and have extended their territory as well.” 

 

Congratulations Liz and Rachael on your fabulous award.

 

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

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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.

 

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