User:Rjhartley/Babyballet

babyballet is a dance class franchise that is focused on providing ballet classes for boys and girls from 6 months to 6 years.

History
In 1999, Claire O’Connor started ballet classes for very young children with her mum, Barbara Peters, a trained dancer and ballet teacher. Their vision was to "create a dance experience for little ones that was both magical and educational".

In 2005, babyballet began with 10 pupils attending dance classes in a children’s play gym in Halifax. It now has over 100 franchised and licensed schools operating throughout the UK, Australia and New Zealand, teaching dance to young children. In addition to the classes, babyballet now also has a range of themed parties, merchandise, live entertainment and events. Lessons include standing and floor-based exercises and learning routines with props such as teddy bears. babyballet is reported to be popular with the children of celebrities including Jools Oliver, wife of chef Jamie, and presenter Myleene Klass.

Recognition
Claire and the babyballet brand have won awards including ITV Mumpreneur, Retail Business of the Year 2015 at the Forward Ladies Women in Business national finals; Best Business Parent at the Mum and Working Awards; Halifax Courier Young Business Person (2007); and Entrepreneur (2008). Claire was featured in a Channel 4 documentary 'Big Ballet' exploring issues of size in the world of ballet.