Nice one Nicky! Determined dance teacher takes one step closer to a UK award

A popular Greenwich-based dance teacher is twirling towards the final of a national competition for her ‘outstanding’ leadership.

Nicky Wilson, who has been teaching at babyballet for three years and covers its Greenwich, Blackheath, Eltham and Dulwich areas, and has been shortlisted in the ‘What’s On 4 Kids 2018 Awards’ in the ‘Most Outstanding Activity Leader for the U5s’ London category.

Nicky, who lives in Crayford, has been dancing since the age of four – taking her advanced levels examinations in ISTD ballet, tap and modern dance as well as being involved in musical theatre for 15 years.

She joined babyballet in 2015 where she holds nine classes a week each week at its range of premises across the capital to scores of youngsters aged from six months to six-years-old.

“It gives me so much joy to watch the little ones growing in confidence every term, not only as a dancer but as a little person. After years of dancing on stage it’s wonderful to be able to give something back to the younger generation and it’s an honour to be shortlisted for an award,” said Nicky, aged 42.

Nicky’s manager, Stephanie Gabbitas, added: “Everyone here at babyballet Greenwich and Blackheath is thrilled that Nicky has been recognised as one of the finest teachers in the country. Nicky’s dedication to dance, along with her caring nature and passion for pre-school education shines through in all her classes. We are so proud of her – she’s a real asset to the babyballet family.”

Headquartered in Yorkshire but with over 100 franchises in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, babyballet has been nominated for five industry awards in the ‘What’s On 4 Kids’ 2018 final.

Dance teachers at babyballet Dartford Bexley and Bromley and Greenwich and Dulwich nominated in the Whats On 4 Kids Awards 2018As well as Nicky’s category, babyballet is in-line to win the Best Product Supporting Children’s Activities, Most Outstanding Activity Leader for U5s in the South East, Best Franchised/Licensed Baby and Toddler Activity (more than 50 franchises) and Industry Champion of the Year.

The awards, in its 12th year, is the UK’s leading and longest established awards for the sector and saw a massive 70,000 customer votes cast in total with the Industry Champion of the Year gong voted for exclusively by high-profile industry judges.

Founder of babyballet, Claire O’Connor, added: “I am so happy for babyballet to be recognised in so many categories. It’s even better to see individuals like Nicky highlighted for their brilliant work across our franchises and these nominations are a testament of the hard-work from our staff.”

The babyballet brand is no stranger to being recognised, having won numerous awards including Loved by Children Awards (2018), Loved by Parents Awards (2017) and Women in Business’ Retail Business (2015). Owner Claire also featured in a Channel 4 documentary called ‘Big Ballet’ which explored issues of size in the world of ballet.

One of the fastest growing franchise businesses in the UK, babyballet was founded in 2005 to create an experience for six months to six-year-olds to dance to gain confidence and shine, in a fun, caring and supportive environment, away from the traditionally strict and serious classes often associated with ballet.

With 74 franchises currently in the UK, Claire successfully expanded the business into Australia and New Zealand last year, establishing 33 new franchises down under with more in the pipeline. Over 25,000 children now enjoy babyballet on both sides of the world every week.

The ‘What’s On 4 Kids’ award winner’s ceremony takes place on October 3rd at NatWest in Bishopsgate, London.

For more information about babyballet classes in Greenwich and Dulwich please click here; alternatively you can call: 07809 148348 or email:greenwich@babyballet.co.uk