Spotlight on…Anne-Marie Martin
Laura Marcus
Monday, June 27, 2016
Position: Founder of diddi dance, a pre-school dance class franchise
What led you from professional dancing to create diddi dance?
Having danced for many years, I found myself enjoying teaching children more and more. I was teaching at a play centre and lots of the parents there kept asking me about dance classes for their under-fives. They knew that I was a dancer and pestered me almost daily until I started a class. And now, 13 years later, I still teach five classes a week as well as running the South-East London area from our head office.
As a franchisor and franchisee I love being part of a really supportive, inspiring network with some fantastic business owners who have the same mission of getting children moving. I also love the flexibility that the business gives me to work around family life.
What is unique about diddi dance classes?
We explore more than 16 different dance styles from hip-hop and Bollywood through to tap and flamenco, and our classes change dance styles every half term. Our sessions are also gender-neutral – boys and girls do the same moves with the same props, and all enjoy the sessions together equally as much.
How does it feel to be awarded the very first Gold accreditation from the Children’s Activities Association (CAA)?
We are so proud to be the first fully accredited Gold CAA member. This proves not only that we have all our compliance and policy documentation, but that the delivery of sessions is engaging for the age group. Also that we deliver accurate training and support, and our business has been reviewed by an independent expert.
