I have set up and taught dance projects in the community for over 20 years and I am passionate about how dance and fitness changes lives. After I had children I wanted to go to a fun and effective dance exercise class but I couldn’t find what I was looking for so I founded Mum-Dance. I started choreographing 80’s routines in my kitchen and studio. Inspired by Fame, Flashdance, leotards and legwarmers, Mum-Dance started with just 4 women in one class and now we have classes across the UK.
We are expanding fast and would love to hear from dancers, fitness instructors, gyms and fitness studios in Scotland to keep getting Mum-Dance out to as many women as possible.
https://www.facebook.com/mumdanceuk
Instagram is mumdance80s
Mum-Dance is the UK wide 80’s dance fitness class for mums and our live classes are due to start back in September. Mum-Dance is about fun fitness, improving well-being and being part of a community which we all need now more than ever.
How did you balance being a mother and professional?
It’s an impossible balance and I’m not sure any of us can get it ‘right’ My kids love Mum-Dance almost as much as I do and so it’s sort of a family affair and that keeps the kids on side.
What have you sacrificed (both personally and professionally) at each stage of your career?
I think sacrifice can be a great thing, I have given up all sorts of things I never really needed to follow my passion. I work long hours though so yes there are day to day sacrifices.
Who inspired you and why?
Lydia the dance teacher from Fame. In my dreams I am her!!
What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace?
Decide what you want and go for it and don’t stop until you get there. Aim higher than is sensible and be totally fearless.
Do you think women feel intimidated in business?
There’s so much to say about this!! Mum-Dance has licensed teachers who run their own businesses teaching Mum-Dance so I am passionate about supporting women in business and I love seeing how running your own business can change a woman’s life. I think for growth to keep happening we have to take ownership if we feel intimidated and transform all those moments in the business world into powerful and inspirational change.
Where will we find you on a Saturday morning at 10 a.m.?
In the kitchen making up playlists for classes, we have a fresh playlist of 14 songs every week in classes and I am a bit obsessive when it comes to getting just the right songs.
What do you love about your job?
I love seeing how Mum-Dance changes women’s lives. When a woman begins to feel differently about her body, when she takes charge of that and develops a positive mindset to fitness it can change her life. I love seeing a woman come to class for the first time, she might be nervous because it could be the first time she’s done fitness for a while or maybe she’s on her own and feels awkward or has just left her baby at home for the first time or just wishes she wore her other leggings, you know? We’re all that woman. By the end of the class she is taller, bolder and happier in her skin, she goes out of class sweating and laughing in a bunch of women and that is by far the best part of my job. It’s all about the Mum-Dancers, that’s all that matters to me!
What’s the best career decision you’ve ever made?
To work on Mum-Dance full time even though it seemed like the crazy thing to do.
What’s the worst career decision you’ve ever made?
There’s no wrong moves all decisions lead somewhere and sometimes the worst ones have the best learning.
What would you be doing if you were me now?
Ahh the only person who can be you is you. I’ll say come to Mum-Dance and get YOU back
How do you organise your time?
Badly, I’m always late. I cram a lot in.
What do you think is your greatest strength?
Balancing vision and action.
What do you think is your greatest weakness?
Lycra, honestly how much lycra can one woman have in her wardrobe!!
How do you make decisions?
I ask myself is it true to Mum-Dance? I ask if I was a woman in class what would I think? I listen to my instinct and I trust people around me to tell me when I have silly ideas.
What do you read?
I mostly listen to music, all 80’s of course.
What do you think are the secrets behind getting to where you’ve got to?
Relentless enthusiasm, self belief and an absolute passion to give every woman everywhere a local Mum-Dance class.
More Fantastic Females HERE