In this episode, James Moore is joined by Anne-Marie Martin, the founder and franchisor of diddi dance, a revolutionary preschool dance franchise that’s captured the imaginations of babies and toddlers across the UK. Drawing from her experience as a professional dancer, Anne-Marie transformed her passion for movement into a thriving business. Through her innovative and fun approach, diddi dance has introduced toddlers to the joys of dance, inspiring a love of movement that lasts a lifetime.
As a board member of the CAA, she is a focal member of an organisation, offering activity providers the opportunity to raise standards and support them with business operations and accreditation. She has a wealth of experience in the activities sector, starting off as a single funky preschool dance class that has blossomed into a movement, with over 40 franchises nationwide.
In a nutshell James and Anne-Marie talk about:
- Her transition from professional dancer to entrepreneur, and how diddi dance was born from a gap in the toddler activity market.
- How a gap in the market for non-traditional toddler dance classes sparked the creation of a national franchise that has now introduced thousands of children to the joys of movement.
- The rise of diddi dance, from local classes to a national franchise while staying true to its joyful, inclusive ethos.
- The importance of fostering early childhood movement in a supportive, non-competitive environment.
- Insight into the Children’s Activities Association and how Anne-Marie’s leadership is shaping the children’s activities sector.
- Tips for business owners on trusting the process and focusing on strengths.
- The highs and lows of her journey and how she danced through the challenges in the children’s activities sector.
…and so much more!
