Celebrating babyballet: Winning the Outstanding Pre-school Dance Education Award
- Admin
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
I am incredibly proud to share that babyballet Lanarkshire Central was recently awarded the Outstanding Pre-school Dance Education award at the Scottish Dance Awards. This is a momentous milestone for us, and I want to take this opportunity to reflect on what it truly means and how we got here.
The Beginning of Our Story
My journey began when I was studying to become a primary school teacher. At the same time, I was working part-time at my local babyballet franchise. I loved every Saturday morning teaching children aged 18 months to 5 years the magical world of ballet. It brought me so much joy to see their faces light up with excitement as they danced and explored movement.
My then-partner (now my husband) suggested I consider opening my own franchise. When I attended a family fun day in Motherwell, I spent time canvassing ideas and speaking with around 150 people about bringing babyballet to Motherwell. With only two exceptions—because those people weren’t in the area—the response was overwhelmingly positive. The doors opened on January 26th, 2013, and since then, babyballet Lanarkshire Central has grown and expanded twice to welcome even more young dancers.
What This Award Means to Me
Winning this award was a huge honour, and honestly, I was blown away—though I also knew deep down that we deserved it. The team and I work tirelessly, continuously investing in ongoing training, especially in early years dance techniques and development. To be judged alongside other fantastic finalists and be recognised as the winner was truly incredible.
Once we received the news, the excitement was palpable. My team where on the phone immediately—sharing photos on social media, celebrating in the middle of a busy show season. Moments like these remind us why we do what we do: to bring joy, confidence, and the love of dance into the lives of children.
What Sets Our Classes Apart
Preschool is such a vital age. It’s the foundation where young children learn not just technique, but passion, creativity, and self-expression. Our approach focuses on creating a relaxed, caring, and fun environment, where story-telling and imaginative movement help children fall in love with dance. Behind the scenes, we are constantly learning and evolving as teachers, ensuring that each class offers something special.
Memorable Moments & Our Future
Watching our dancers grow and reach milestones is the most rewarding part of this journey. Our upper school, Tap 2 Pointe Dance Company, provides opportunities for children to continue their dance journey beyond preschool. Seeing how far they’ve come—whether reaching milestones or participating in exciting opportunities—is truly inspiring.
As we celebrate our 12th year in operation, I am filled with excitement for the future. We’re expanding into Wishaw and Coatbridge in the upcoming academic year, and I can’t wait to welcome new dancers into our babyballet family. Seeing the joy and laughter of our children each week keeps us motivated and passionate about what we do.
The Heart of Our Success
My team is the backbone of everything we achieve. Their dedication and love for teaching create that warm, family-like atmosphere that parents and children cherish. I try to visit as many classes as possible—though with over 70 classes a week, it’s a challenge! Their passion is what makes our school special.
Advice for Aspiring Dance Educators
My advice would be simple: keep learning. The world is always changing, and there’s always something new to discover. Focus on three positive achievements each day, learn one new thing, and always build yourself up through positivity. Never stop growing.
How Dance Has Influenced My Life
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that every child is unique. What works for one might not work for another, and understanding each family’s circumstances is key. Listening carefully and thinking quickly are essential skills—both in dance teaching and in life.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Finally, I want to express my gratitude. This award isn’t just mine; it’s a reflection of the incredible team, the supportive families, and everyone who has been part of our journey. I am immensely proud of what we’ve achieved and excited about what’s to come.
Thank you for supporting babyballet Lanarkshire Central—here’s to many more shared successes and happy dancers!
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