We can’t quite believe it’s been 4 years since babyballet and Tommy’s last partnered on Danceathon, and it’s even longer since we did our first ever event together.

We’re so proud to have raised £800,738 since that inaugural Danceathon back in 2016; this year we are planning to smash the £1 million mark, raising an additional £400,000!

Our theme for 2022 is ‘Dancing for a brighter future to help save babies’ lives’. Sadly, every one of us knows someone who has been affected by baby loss. Tommy’s believes losing a baby should never be ‘just one of those things’ and is working tirelessly to reduce the UK’s unacceptable rates of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.

To raise funds we’re asking all babyballet® stars to be sponsored to wear their brightest, most colourful clothes, and embark on a magical dancing quest to find the missing colours in their regular babyballet® class this October.

The money we raise will help fund both Tommy’s pioneering research and the support given to families through every part of the pregnancy journey.

Families like Caroline and Mark who had specialist care from Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research after being heartbroken by recurrent miscarriage, bringing rainbow baby Teddy into the world.

“We self-referred to Professor Quenby’s clinic in Coventry, not really knowing what they might be able to do but just desperate for someone to do something…  we’re incredibly grateful to Tommy’s and Dr Quenby’s research for our miracle baby.”

Jacqui Clinton, Director of Fundraising at Tommy’s, said, “We are delighted that babyballet® are hosting their third Danceathon for us. Everyone at babyballet is so committed to helping us in our mission to save babies’ lives and improve care and support for families at every stage of the pregnancy journey. We hope everyone taking part has a brilliant time and are so grateful for the vital funds raised for Tommy’s during this special week.”

“The Danceathon is a huge event in the babyballet calendar! Not only do we have so much fun in our dance classes, but it shows the strength in our community. The whole network, from tiny dancers, ballet teachers, franchisees and all our wonderful parents and customers, come together like never before.” Comments Claire O’Connor, CEO and Founder of babyballet®.

“We strive for babyballet to be a safe place for our dancing stars and our grown-ups too, to make friends and share experiences. In fundraising for Tommy’s, that couldn’t be more apparent, and I am so proud of everyone for the efforts they go to to support this incredible charity.”

To start your babyballet® star’s fundraising and to find out more about the Tommy’s Danceathon visit www.tommys.org/danceathon or email dance@tommys.org