diddi dance

New diddi dance franchise – Wigan & Leigh!

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We here at diddi dance HO would like to take this opportunity to welcome our newest franchisee, Rebecca, who will be running the new franchise – diddi dance Wigan & Leigh.

Rebecca’s first class in starting in November 2016 and will be:

  • From the 7th November – 9.45am to 10.30am every Monday at Tesco Extra Leigh Community Space. The Loom, Derby Street, Leigh WN7 4BA

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

A little bit more about Rebecca:

Tell us a bit about yourself and your family:

My name is Rebecca and I live in with my husband, daughter and son aged 5 and 3. I love to work with children and love anything creative and that can express and bring out little personalities.

What did you do before diddi dance?

Before I became a mum I studied dance and drama, since leaving college I have worked in the media Industry. When I had my children I took time out from work to be a stay at home mum. This gave my insight to the importance of early years education and social development as my daughter was a very shy child.

Why did you choose a diddi dance franchise?

diddi dance is the perfect option for me as its such a great way to get the under fives moving, socialising and learning invaluable skills in preparation for starting school. I love to help other mums how ever I can, us mums have to stick together.

What are you most excited about for your new business?

I am so excited to meet all the wonderful children and carers in the Wigan area, to see them each week and watch as they learn new skills and grow. I will be there to see the milestones of sharing and caring for others as well as having a jolly good time.

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

I absolutely love the disco theme as I am such a throwback anything retro and I’m on board. However I am very excited about country dancing as it takes me back to my school days of country dancing at the spring and summer fairs.

Rebecca’s classes have started with our Ballroom theme so don’t forget to book your FREE trial today!

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New diddi dance franchise – Plymouth, South Hams & Tavistock

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We here at diddi dance HO would like to take this opportunity to welcome our newest franchisees, Liz & Rachael, who will be running the new franchise – diddi dance Plymouth, South Hams & Tavistock.

Liz & Rachael’s first batch of classes have just started this September 2016 and currently include:

  • Monday 10am Woolwell Centre, Darklake Lane, Plymouth PL6 7TR
  • Monday 11am Woolwell Centre, Darklake Lane, Plymouth PL6 7TR
  • Wednesday 10am Hemerdon Hall, Penlee Cottage, Hemerdon, Plymouth PL7, UK, Plymouth PL7 5BU
  • Wednesday 11am Hemerdon Hall, Penlee Cottage, Hemerdon, Plymouth PL7, UK, Plymouth PL7 5BU

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

A little bit more about Liz & Rachael:

Tell us a bit about yourself and your family:

Liz is Mum to Dylan aged 3 and Evie aged 1 and is busy planning her wedding to Geoff in March. Liz was born in Greece and enjoys frequent holidays to her family in Corfu.

Rachael is Mum to Joseph aged 3 and has been married to Paul for 4 years. Rachael loves traveling and baking.

What did you do before diddi dance?

Liz – I worked for an engineering firm as a key account coordinator for the past 8 years. The role allowed me to travel and meet clients from all over the world. I have decided not to return to this employment after having my second child.

Rachael – I work as a customer service manager in a large travel agent, I have worked here for the past 10 years and have had some amazing opportunities to see the world.

How do you two know each other and why did you decide to partner up to run a diddi dance franchise?

We met during antenatal classes 3 years ago. Since having children our priorities have changed and we both to find something that fits in with our families and working with children. We looked into diddi dance a few years ago however Liz became pregnant so the idea was put on hold. Since having her second child Liz decided not to return to work and we enquired again about diddi dance….. the rest is history!!!!

Why did you choose a diddi dance franchise?

We love the concept of diddi dance and wanted to be involved in something as fun and energetic. We realised there was a gap in our local market – other than ballet there are no other dance groups around and we felt that diddi dance would fill the gap perfectly.

What are you most excited about for your new business?

We can’t wait to launch our classes and meet lots of new children and their parents – to see them having fun, getting involved and growing in confidence. We are also excited to be working for ourselves whilst being part of such an amazing worthwhile franchise.

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

We both can’t wait for the Flamenco theme – we did our training week with Flamenco and fell in love with the song and the dance moves so can’t wait to teach it to our diddis.

Liz & Rachael’s classes have started with our Disco theme so don’t forget to book your FREE trial today!

Welcome a new franchisee to Leeds

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For those of you who may or may not know Leeds & Harrogate franchisee Cath Hale recently made the though decision to sell the Leeds part of her franchise. After putting the business up for sale a wonderful friend and previous diddi dance teacher came along to take it over, Julia Grantham!

Julia has taken over the management and direction of all classes and sessions running in the Leeds area and will be expanding further into the North and Central Leeds area in September and onwards.

Classes now run by Julia currently taking bookings for September are:

  • Tuesdays @ 10:00am, Horsforth St. Margaret’s Parish Hall
  • Thursdays @ 10:00am, Roundhay Parochial Hall
  • Fridays @ 1.30pm, Horsforth St. Margaret’s Parish Hall

Feel free to email Julia directly now via julia.grantham@diddidance.com to join any of the classes already running in the area or to express your interest in having a class open near you!

A little bit more about Julia:

Tell us a bit about yourself and your family:

Hi I’m Julia, mum of two young boys and I love music and dancing! I play the piano in my spare time, and have attended  various music and dance classes with my little ones ever since they were babies. I think I enjoyed it even more than they did if that’s possible! Tee hee!

What did you do before diddi dance?

I was fortunate enough to be a stay-at-home-mum for four years which is how I found out about diddi dance, and before that I was a nurse.

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

I am taking over from Cath Hale, who taught both of my boys diddi dance classes. The chance came up to teach a class for her, which I did for one term before she decided to sell the Leeds part of her business to me!

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

I knew the class, loved it, and felt that with an existing client base I couldn’t really go wrong. I know so many mums who have been to these classes, and everyone I have met in the diddi dance team are enthusiastic, friendly and supportive. Teaching diddi dance doesn’t feel like work. I get paid to dance and sing with little ones and nothing beats the smiles you see on their faces when you teach them. 🙂

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

I’m excited to see and be able to develop the business and bring it to new places, venues and have my own flexible time-table. But mostly I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know a whole bunch of new children and seeing their progress and enjoyment of the classes. diddi dance is all about having fun being active; whilst dancing to some funky tunes. I can’t wait for September!!

For more information about current classes or to express your interest in a class opening near you please visit Julia’s Facebook page – diddi dance North  Central Leeds!

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New diddi dance classes for August 2016

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Our Scottish franchisees have their new autumn term classes starting later this month and we at diddi dance want to be sure you know all about them! Here is what is launching with the start of the new school term:

diddi dance Aberdeenshire, email Wendy for further information:

  • Starting 16th August, Tuesdays @ 10:00am & 11:00am – Hoodles Playbarn, North Mains of Barra, Oldmeldrum, Inverurie, AB51 0BB
  • Starting 19th August, Fridays @ 9:00am – Jubilee Hall, Cookston Road, Portlethen, Aberdeen, AB12 4PT
  • Starting 19th August, Fridays @ 10:00am – Dyce Scout Hall, Pitmedden Road, Dyce, Aberdeen, AB21 0DP
  • Starting 19th August, Fridays @ 11:00am – Stonehaven Community Education Centre, Bath Street, Stonehaven, A
  • Starting 22nd August, Mondays @ 11:00am – Stonehaven Community Education Centre, Bath Street, Stonehaven, AB39 2DH

diddi dance West & Central Edinburgh, Broxburn, Bo’ness & Surrounding, mail Debbie for further information:

  • Starting 26th August, Fridays @ 10.00am – Pilrig Church, 1B Pilrig Street, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 5AH
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!!!

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diddi dance Franchisees Nominated for mumandworking 2016 Award

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Our franchise mother and daughter partnership, Natalie & Dawn Edwards, have just been nominated for Franchisee of the Year at the 2016 mumandworking Awards.

Natalie & Dawn run diddi dance Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Sutton Coldfield & Surrounding. They started their diddi dance in January 2014 and over the past year and a half have grown it to be a very successful one with just the two of them running both the business and classes.

The mumandworking Awards are all about:mandw-nomweb-2016-award-logo

  • Empowering parents to achieve their potential
  • Realising the enormous commercial benefits of flexible working to employers and business owners
  • Recognising the substantial contribution to the UK economy
  • Supporting modern-day, family life
  • Celebrating the importance of the UK’s parent-preners

We love these awards and having our franchisees up for ones that recoginse their work in a franchise as well as being a working mum. With much to consider for each nomination and a 25% increase in the number of nominations received this year we at diddi dance couldn’t be more proud of this franchising pair up for the award this year. mumandworking have said “the judging process thus far has already been very challenging and to be nominated is a huge accolade.”

Natalie & Dawn diddi danceWhen we asked Natalie & Dawn how they felt about the award nomination, which was sneakily submitted by Head Office on their behalf, they said:

Dawn – “I am chuffed to bits to be nominated for this award. Working with my daughter and teaching little ones to get moving is absolutely the best”.

Natalie – “I am absolutely delighted to have been nominated for the Franchisee of the Year award – let alone to be shortlisted to the top 5. I couldn’t believe my eyes when we received the news and thought it must have been a mistake. Being recognised and nominated for this award after running for only 18 months feels amazing and very exciting!”

We can’t wait to find out on 11 October whether or not this lovely pair win, but until then join us in congratulating them on their Facebook page by clicking here.

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#dressupanddiddidance for Macmillan Cancer Support

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diddi dancers across the UK to Dress Up and Dance to battle Cancer

We want all our diddi dancers to put on their dancing shoes next week as our classes have partner up with Macmillan Cancer Support to get little ones moving and grooving in aid of the charity’s Dress Up And Dance campaign.1962786_10153271829130795_2192111685474646222_n

The national campaign is a perfect fit for us and we hope it will see parents & children don colourful, creative and whacky fancy dress to attend our classes all next week. To celebrate this year’s theme of ‘heroes’, there will be specially themed classes across the UK for the whole family to enjoy including… So toddlers joining in can seek costume inspiration from anywhere such as sport to music to politics, so feel free to let their imagination run wild.

Macmillan Cancer Support is a fantastic charity that provides all kinds of support to children and families affected by cancer. They help with financial worries, medical information, emotional support and much, much more. They’re also constantly campaigning for better cancer care for all because no one should face cancer alone.

Founder of diddi dance, Anne-Marie Martin commented:

We are so proud and excited to be involved in Macmillan’s fantastic Dress Up And Dance campaign again this year, it is a natural fit with our weekly dance classes and dressing up is something that we know all our little ones and families will thoroughly enjoy. I hope we raise a fantastic amount this year!

Macmillan is a charity that is especially close to our hearts and resonates with the whole diddi dance team as we have all been affected in one way or another by this disease. The work of the charity to support everyone affected by cancer is truly remarkable and we hope that the money we raise helps Macmillan to continue their worthwhile and essential work to support those affected by cancer.”

From Saturday 11 to Friday 17 June, diddi dance classes across the UK will be taking part in Macmillan Cancer Support’s Dress Up and Dance campaign. All we ask in return is a small donation of £2 for this wonderful charity. To find your local diddi dance class just click here.

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To see more of the dress up fun our diddis had taking part last year just click here. To join in the fun on social media simply look out for & use the hashtag #dressupanddiddidance

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 nadine.parsonsinnes@diddidance.com 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 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 joanna.oastler@diddidance.com or fill in our free enquiry form by clicking here.

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