Baby Week
Monday 8 to Saturday 13 July 2024
Baby Week is back! This annual, six-day program is filled with FREE, fun activities and events.
It’s all designed to support your child’s development from conception to 2 years old, and is a great way for you to meet other mums and dads in your area.
Events will take place across the city, in cultural venues, leisure centres, and your local Sure Start Children’s Centres and Family Hubs, finishing with Family Fun Days in parks on Saturday.
We will be on hand at the opening event on Monday 8th July to provide Babywearing Support and advice and some FREE Dance Like a Mother taster classes too.
Throughout the week we will be offering FREE taster classes at centres across Manchester and ending with some awesome sessions in the park!
To find out more and to book your spaces go to: https://childfriendlymanchester.co.uk/projects/#baby_week
We Invented the Weekend
PERFORMANCE & FREE TASTER CLASS - WE INVENTED THE WEEKEND FESTIVAL
We have been asked to perform again this year at the We Invented the Weekend Festival, at Salford Quays! Its a fantastic FREE event for all the family.
PERFORMANCE
🫣100 of us will be taking part to dance to 2 awesome routines, celebrating motherhood and all that is DLAM. Come along and what we are all about and give our awesome Mums a cheer!
We will be on the Piazza Stage at 10.50am - 11am
FREE TASTER CLASS
💕ALSO…we will be running a DLAM class on stage so If you have wanted to try class for a while or no longer can attend during the week then this is for you! Partners, Kids, Friends…dogs! Everyone is welcome.
Plaza Stage 12pm - 12.30pm
We will also be on hand to provide babywearing support and loan carriers for class (and fit you both safe and comfy!)
FUNDRAISING
As part of our performance at We Invented the Weekend, we are raising money for a really amazing cause. The second routine we are performing (Dance you Outta my Head) is by Cat Janis. Cat was a singer songwriter and mother. She tragically passed away a couple of months ago, due to a rare form of cancer. She left the right of the song to her 7 year old son.
To honor this we are raising money for Mummy's Star. We are hoping to raise £3000! And we would love it If you would be able to help us reach that goal.
Mummy's Star is the only charity in the UK and Ireland dedicated to supporting women and birthing people who are diagnosed with cancer in or around pregnancy.
Our donation means these families can reach Mummy's Star and their specialized support. This includes emotional support for mums and parents, connecting families with others in a similar position, offering small grants to relieve the financial burden of cancer, supporting partners and family, promoting awareness, and providing training in cancer and pregnancy.
PLEASE donate what you can and share this information & link with Family & Friends and help us reach at least £3000 by our Performance day!
Donate here: Mummys Star Donation
💙We are SUPER excited to be doing this fab event…it’s going to be EPIC!!
Hope to see you there! xx
Women's Circle - Self Compassion & Loving Kindness
Are you critical of yourself, and would like to be more self compassionate?
Do you find it hard to find the time ability to relax and slow down?
Self-Compassion & Loving Kindness
"The circle was so fab..it felt like such a safe space and I feel richer for the experience. Thank you so much" - Briona
A chance to take some time to relax and connect with yourself in a safe a loving environment, with other women in your community. Practice and learn tools to help guide you to be more self compassionate and kind to yourself, and leave feeling rested and relaxed.
Hosted by Nikki, who is a lover of all things breath and relaxation and will gently guide you through the process, with lots of support and humor (we don't take ourselves seriously!)
Also facilitating will be Kelly, who is a Coach and Belief coding facilitator (and a super lovely human too!).
What is involved?
Opening circle with warm drink and chance to connect with each other
Gentle, heart opening movement and stretches to connect you with your body and breath
We will guide you through a couple of exercises to support you to treat and speak to yourself in a more loving way
Guided meditation to bring about a sense of calm and relaxation.
You do not need to have attended a Women's Circle before, attend any of our other classes or have any experience in meditation. This is a truly a lovely experience, where we have women of all ages and at different stages of their lives, coming together to connect with themselves and each other and leave feeling empowered and calm.
£25 (Including equipment & refreshments)
Women's Circle - Self Compassion & Loving Kindness (Monton)
Are you critical of yourself, and would like to be more self compassionate?
Do you find it hard to find the time ability to relax and slow down?
FEBRUARY THEME: Self-Compassion & Loving Kindness
"The circle was so fab..it felt like such a safe space and I feel richer for the experience. Thank you so much" - Briona
A chance to take some time to relax and connect with yourself in a safe a loving environment, with other women in your community. Practice and learn tools to help guide you to be more self compassionate and kind to yourself, and leave feeling rested and relaxed.
Hosted by Nikki, who is a lover of all things breath and relaxation and will gently guide you through the process, with lots of support and humor (we don't take ourselves seriously!)
Also facilitating will be Kelly, who is a Coach and Belief coding facilitator (and a super lovely human too!).
What is involved?
Opening circle with warm drink and chance to connect with each other
Gentle, heart opening movement and stretches to connect you with your body and breath
We will guide you through a couple of exercises to support you to treat and speak to yourself in a more loving way
Guided meditation to bring about a sense of calm and relaxation.
You do not need to have attended a Women's Circle before, attend any of our other classes or have any experience in meditation. This is a truly a lovely experience, where we have women of all ages and at different stages of their lives, coming together to connect with themselves and each other and leave feeling empowered and calm.
£25 (Including equipment & refreshments)
TO BOOK GO TO: Women's Circle Monton - Sunday Feb 11th
Weekend Couples Class - Dance Like a Daddy for IMD
Couple’s class - Dance Like a Daddy - International Men's Day
Dance Like a Mother Couples/Family Class.
This class is for all the amazing Dads, Grandads, Brothers, Uncles and friends as we celebrate International Men's Day.
Bring them along to join in the fun and see what it's all about.
" Now I've had the time of my life...and I...."
Come and join Nikki and Charlie...
We can't promise any Dirty Dancing (Or can we😜 ) but what we can promise is the most joyful, fun & bonding babywearing dance class you have ever been to.
Suitable for couples & babies
Families (*Kids under 5 yrs are free) We also have teddy/doll carriers for little ones to join in.
EVERYONE is welcome
£8 per Adult
FREE ticket for over 5's (Limited Spaces)
(* Under 5's Must be accompanied by an adult at all times. So 1 Adult per Child. Over 5's must have a free ticket to attend)
If the event is Sold Out please add yourself to the Waitlist as spaces may become available
GO TO: Dance Like a Mother - Babywearing Dance Class & Social Groups - Booking by Bookwhen
Women's Circle
Do you feel burnt out?
Do you find it hard to find the time ability to relax and slow down?
A chance to take some time to yourself, to relax and recharge with other women in your community. Hosted by Dance Like a mother’s CEO Nikki, who is a lover of all things breath and relaxation and will gently guide you through the process.
Learn all about cyclical living from the beautiful Jade of Matriarch Mcr CIC. Jade is a Doula, EFT, Reki and energy healing Practitioner (Jade will talk about the nature of women as cyclical beings ~ and particularly the autumn & winter seasons calling us inward, to slow down and rest. Will discuss lunar energy of the current time too & how this affects our bodies and emotions.
We Invented the Weekend - Performance & Taster Session
OUR FIRST PERFORMANCE SINCE 2019!
We are beyond excited to be performing as part of the @WITW Festival on the 3rd of June.
We would love a crowd of loved one and those of you who have supported us over the years. It would be fab to see you, please come watch and come say hi!
We will be performing at 11am in front of the BBC Building at Salford Quays
TASTER SESSION
We are also running a FREE taster session on the Saturday. To find out more go to Dance Like A Mother Workshop - We Invented the Weekend
Bluedot Festival
We are over the moon about being asked to take part in Bluedot Festival this year!
FREE Tickets for Under 5’s…PLUS sooo much to do, see and get involved in for everyone. Plus some awesome music (yes were on the same line up as Tim Peake & Bjork!!)
Get there early and come join us for a class like no other! Its for all the family and we have some great themes and we might even throw in some couples routines If you ask nicely
POWER PLANT STAGE
Friday 22nd July - 10am - 11am - Guilty Pleasures
Saturday 23rd July - 10am - 11am - Who Runs The World
Sunday 24th July - 10am - 11am - 80’s V’s 90’s
To get tickets go to: Homepage - Bluedot (discoverthebluedot.com)
FREE Online Class with The Breastfeeding Network
Join Dance Like a Mother and The Breastfeeding Network for a free online dance class as part of 'Move in May!'. The class will be taught online via Zoom so grab your free place and come and join the fun!
Suitable for babies 8 weeks (corrected) to 2 years
You will need a carrier to take part (please contact us if you need any help/advice on this. You will be sent the video tutorials via your confirmation email)
Easy to follow low impact fun routines
A great way to get active and bond with your baby whilst doing something for yourself
TO BOOK GO TO:
Dance Like a Mother - Babywearing Dance Classes - Booking by Bookwhen
IWD (Lass Fest @ GRUB Mcr) - Saturday Class
💪INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY💪
Dance Like a Mother Saturday Class - for LASS FEST @ GRUB Mcr
For all you amazing and beautiful strong women out there - this one is for you!
We will be dancing to some powerful and fabulous tunes by our favorite independent women.
GRAB your Best Friend, Daughter, Mum, Crazy Auntie or come as an Independent Women!
Why not stay after for some amazing street food & a coffee (or Cocktail!) Theres even a play area for the little ones!
£7 per Adult
FREE ticket for over 5's (Limited Spaces)
(* Under 5's Must be accompanied by an adult at all times. So 1 Adult per Child. Over 5's must have a free ticket to attend)
with Charlie & Nikki x
* If the event is Sold Out please add yourself to the waitlist
TO BOOK GO TO: Dance Like a Mother - Babywearing Dance Classes - Booking by Bookwhen
VALENTINES - Saturday Class (Mcr City Centre)
❤️VALENTINES❤️
Dance Like a Mother Couples/Family Class at GRUB Mcr
" Now I've had the time of my life...and I...."
We can't promise any Dirty Dancing (Or can we😜 ) but what we can promise is the most joyful, fun & bonding babywearing dance class you have ever been too. Also makes the best Valentines Day Gift!
Why not stay after for coffee (Or Cocktails!) and delicious street food! Theres even a play area for the little ones!
* Suitable for couples & babies
* Families (*Kids under 5 yrs are free) We also have teddy/doll carriers for little ones to join in.
* Gran, Grandad, Uncle, Auntie, Friends...EVERYONE is welcome
£7 per Adult
FREE ticket for over 5's (Limited Spaces)
(* Under 5's Must be accompanied by an adult at all times. So 1 Adult per Child. Over 5's must have a free ticket to attend)
with Charlie (and family)
* If the event is Sold Out please add yourself to the waitlist
TO BOOK GO TO: Dance Like a Mother - Babywearing Dance Classes - Booking by Bookwhen
HITS Radio - This Mum is....
Joining forces with Hits Radio & Nuby, we will be getting the Mums of the “This Mum is..” event in the festival mood, with some fab routines and as usual lots of giggles & baby cuddles
to find out more follow the link
Festival of Manchester
47 Mums & Dads with their Babies, Toddlers & Bumps! Performing for the Festival of Manchester crowd.
3.04pm at the Dance & Music Tent
We will also be offering a FREE Taster Class at 3.45pm to 4.30pm in the Try It Area!
Looking forward to seeing you!
Dance Like a Daddy (DLAD) Charity Class for Dad Matters
Baby-Wearing Dads Respond to Piers Morgan’s #emascualtedBond Tweet with Charity Dance Class
Morgan’s Insult Spurs Families to Raise Money for Dad Matters
A group of dads from Greater Manchester will take part in a mass dance class wearing their babies in slings, wraps and carriers in a demonstration against Piers Morgan’s recent criticism of baby-wearing fathers.
Responding to Morgan’s tweet last month that labelled Bond actor Daniel Craig as ‘emasculated’ when he carried his child in a ‘papoose’, the dads have joined baby-wearing dance class group, Dance Like a Mother CIC, to promote the safety and benefits to parent and child of carrying babies in slings.
The 30-strong group will come together to learn dance routines to songs such as Salt N Pepa’s 90s tune ‘Whatta Man’ while raising funds for Dad Matters – a charity aiming to help dads have successful relationships with their families and supporting them with mental health issues.
The charity class, organised by Dance Like a Mother CIC and supported by the AJ Bell Stadium, takes place on Saturday 17 November at 10.30am in the Players’ Lounge at the Salford ground. Tickets costs £15 per family with all proceeds going to Dad Matters to support vulnerable dads and their families across Greater Manchester. The class has sold out within 24 hours and so a wait list has been added for a possible second class at midday to accommodate further interest.
Dance Like a Mother CIC (DLAM) group has been teaching baby-wearing dance classes across Greater Manchester for almost three years and has been praised for its inclusivity, positive impact on mothers’ mental health, and the promotion of bonding with babies and the safety and benefits of babywearing. The community interest company recently raised and secured funding to expand its work with young parents and those at risk of PND in Salford, with projects starting in the new year.
Nikki Baillie, founder of Dance Like a Mother CIC, said: “We actually want to thank Piers Morgan for his comments and ignorance. It’s upset a lot of us in the baby-wearing community but more importantly it’s brought babywearing to the attention of more parents and pushed us to put the plans we’ve talked about so much before into action. Although we've had Dads in classes over the years, we have never had a dedicated class for them and have been asked so many times if we would do one. So this is a great opportunity to do that.
“His latest sorry attempt at riling people with his outdated and pathetic views means that money is being raised for a very deserving charity that’s doing great work for men’s health and building bonds between Dads and their children.
“Maybe he’s not been fortunate enough to grow up with a strong male role model. Who knows? But this isn’t about Piers Morgan. It’s about the bigger picture. It’s about men’s mental health and about true gender equality.
“We all recognise there’s a huge problem with mental health and suicide rates amongst men in the UK. Sadly the idea that men shouldn’t show their emotions still exists for many and Piers Morgan is encouraging that way of thinking.
“We’re working to change that and Dad Matters is doing a brilliant job in that area.
“Baby wearing is just another way of caring, loving and sharing an experience with a child. It’s quality time and closeness and a bonding experience. It’s not just good for Dads, it’s important for the emotional wellbeing of the baby too.”
Kieran Anders of Dad Matters UK said, "Dad Matters is a Home-Start project, initially delivered in Tameside, but now expanding across GM to support expectant dads to have better relationships.
“This event is amazing because it really promotes the close and natural communication babies need to build a secure attachment and the fact that dads are doing it shows just how important dads are in their babies’ development.
“Dad Matters will be at the group on the day, talking to the dads and mums about parenthood and sharing stories, pictures and the overall message that communication and interaction with your baby are crucial.”
The event also celebrates International Men’s Day on Monday 19 November – a grassroots movement that ‘invites every man, woman, girl and boy in the world to come together and celebrate men and boys in all their diversity.’
DLAM has invited Piers Morgan to the class but has not yet received a response.
To book a place on the second event of the day, visit: https://bookwhen.com/dancelikeamother
Dad Matters UK go to
https://dadmatters.org.uk/
Festival of Manchester
We are delighted to be performing for the first ever Festival of Manchester! on Saturday 1st of September in Platt Fields Park.
After hearing about our performance at Manchester Day, they asked if we would like to do it all over again for up to 20,000 people (Oh alright then!)
Location TBC
Time: 2.15pm
Just So Festival
Just So is an annual, intimate, weekend-long festival – an imaginative outdoor family adventure like no other and the best family festival in the UK. With a love of stories and childhood escapades at its heart, Just So Festival enables families to step out of their day to day lives and into a wonderland of world class literature, arts, theatre, dance, music, comedy and creative pursuits together. Underpinned by the Tribal Tournament, the most bonkers competition in the land, it takes audiences (from bumps to great grandparents) on a unique expedition of mischief and mayhem, to lands full of magical midnight feasts, curious creatures, raucous pillow fights, hidden retreats, top notch food, drink and boutique camping options and breathtaking beauty.