Miss Sacha’s babyballet® Story
Meet Miss Sacha: The Heart Behind babyballet® Leeds Central, South & West
From dance teacher to franchisee, Miss Sacha’s journey with babyballet® Leeds Central, South & West is truly inspiring. In this interview, she shares her passion for dance, the leap into franchise ownership last year, and the magic behind her classes. Whether you’re a parent looking for the pre-school dance class in Leeds or curious about the franchise experience, Miss Sacha’s story offers insight, motivation, and an extra-special touch of babyballet sparkle. Read on to discover how she brings joy, confidence, and energy to little dancers every week!
Am I right in thinking you first joined babyballet® as a dance teacher?
Yes so, I taught for the previous owners of babyballet® Leeds Central, South and West for three years on a Saturday morning before taking over. I did several shows with them too and just loved all of it. As a teacher, it’s a very different side but I sort of knew what I was getting myself into!
I’ve danced since I was about two or three years old. I’ve done so many different shows, danced in many different places, and enjoyed some really good opportunities. When I was 18, I went to Liverpool to get my dance teaching degree. It was tough but I wouldn’t change it. My dance college experience coincided with Covid and that was a whole experience in itself- dancing in my kitchen and living room!
Can you tell me more about what made you take that leap into becoming a franchisee from working as a babyballet® teacher?
When I graduated from dance college, as it was during the pandemic it was quite an uneasy time. I wasn’t able to go to any auditions or find a dance teaching job or anything like that. I always used to love helping at my old dance school, particularly with the younger classes. So, when the dance classes opened again, I got a job as a babyballet® dance teacher on a Saturday morning.
Since those Covid years, I’ve kind of ended up doing a bit of anything and everything. However, working at babyballet has been the one constant thing in my life. I really looked forward to doing it each week and I really enjoyed it.
That was a big for me so I thought,
“Well, why can’t I do this all the time?”
How did you find the babyballet franchisee application process?
It was so helpful. There wasn’t a time where there wasn’t someone there if I need them. A lot of it was new to me, for instance having to create a business plan and the financial projections. I’ve never done anything like that before but there was always someone there to help. Harry was really good – he was the go-to at that point in the process for me and always on the end of the phone helping. You get so much information too from the get-go.
So, you joined us for franchise training in October 2024. Can you share any highlights from that week?
It was just so lovely to meet this whole team who felt more like a family from the off. Everyone walked in and started hugging each other and chatting away. I just had that feeling of, “I belong here.” I felt like I’d been part of the team for ages already. It was a really nice experience.
“I belong here.”
I was a little apprehensive about the social media training session, but I ended up really enjoying it! I’m making a conscious effort now to follow and create on-trend content to share on my social media account. It was helpful to just have a go!
I trained at the same time as Jo and Rob from babyballet Derby North and East, and Miss Gemma from babyballet Potters Bar and we’ve all stayed in touch. We were all in slightly different boats at the point of training: I had bought a re-sale franchise, Jo and Rob were adding babyballet to their existing dance school, and Miss Gemma was setting up a brand-new franchise area. We’ve still got our group chat and it’s been lovely hearing updates of how the first weeks are going for them. Miss Gemma and I have been talking about our plans for attending our first babyballet franchisee conference this summer – we’re really looking forward to it! Knowing that there are so many people around rooting for you, even if they’re miles away is such a big thing.
What made you choose babyballet over a different franchise or even setting up a dance school independently?
For me, it was just how much everyone is there help. Everyone wants to see you do well and grow. It’s such a sense of family. Afterall, I don’t think anyone really wants to do something completely on their own in life.
How did you find those first few weeks when you took over as franchisee for babyballet Leeds Central, South and West?
It’s been a massive learning curve. For me, I’ve always had a routine in my life: I get up, go to work, do this, do that, come home, have tea and so on. I think the biggest thing for me in this new role has been finding the right balance, without that pre-determined structure. I must remember that when I’ve finished teaching, there is still so much more to do in the background.
Just like with any business, there’s so much to do and you almost have to know what you’re doing, before you’ve even done it. In those first few weeks between training and then starting classes, I was constantly on my laptop, trying to teach myself as much as possible. I wanted to be prepared. For example, if a customer asked a question, I wanted to have a good chance of already knowing the answer. Several months on, I now know the answer to lots of customer questions!
And, several months on, how have things changed?
Really well! I’ve put on some extra classes which I’m really looking forward to. I’ve added some tap classes onto the end of some of my existing classes too. I’m also expanding into a new venue just after February half-term! I’m doing plenty of promotional content for that now.
I did my first Christmas party too and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves – I had lots of parents joining in! I’m hoping to run a similar seasonal events regularly, for instance at Easter and Halloween.
I’ve booked my first show too! It’s at a local high school and it’s a great venue. There’s a good-sized stage and tiered seating so everyone has a great view.
What do you think are the most important qualities to have as a babyballet franchisee?
It’s important to be able to bring the sparkle and magic! You need to have plenty of energy so that people enjoy themselves and want to come back.
Having that discipline and drive to find a balance in your working life. You need to be able to identify what needs to be done, and what can wait.
Do you have any advice to share to someone thinking about getting in touch to become a babyballet franchisee?
Just take the leap! It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I’ve felt such a difference in myself. It’s not like I was unhappy where I was previously, but now I just feel like I have better control of my life and what direction I want to take.
What is the best part about being in the babyballet family?
It has to be the amount of love you get each week from the customers and children. The number of weekly cuddles is brilliant. No one can say no to a little one’s cuddle! Although, I’ve had fewer cuddles this week since I brought the new big Twinkle and Teddy bears into class!
The support I’ve received from babyballet head office and how involved everyone is, is just incredible.
Last question Miss Sacha, can you sum up babyballet in just 3 words?
- Magical
- Family
- Energy
