Mums and babies dance their socks off to raise money for BBC’s Children in Need

Award-winning mum and baby dance group Dance Like a Mother gave the performance of a lifetime outside MediaCityUK in Salford last Friday as part of their fundraiser for BBC’s Children in Need 2019.

Dance Like a Mother’s babywearing class encourages mums (and dads) to keep fit and healthy while holding their little ones close.

Director and instructor, Nikki Baillie, began teaching mum and baby classes in March 2016 following the birth of her daughter.

The group has become an enormous success attracting many parents across Greater Manchester.

Mrs. Baillie and her fellow mums and tiny tots performed two routines outside the BBC studios with crowds gathering from far and wide to watch them dance their hearts out.

Shelly Brennan became an instructor for Dance Like a Mother after attending classes with her daughter and was overjoyed to be taking their fundraising to the next level dancing outside the home of BBC’s Children in Need.

She said: “Every year Dance Like a Mother have done fundraising but in classes. We have a little pajama party, and we eat cake.

“We have done that for three consecutive years, and we just wanted to do something a little bit bigger and better.”

Mrs. Brennan continued: “Last year we tried to get in touch with the BBC to see if we could do some kind of flash mob.

“They did invite us down, but it was early evening, and because its babies, it would not work at that time.

“We got in there a little bit earlier this year and got in touch with Emma from the fundraising team, and she has been amazing and helped us make it happen.”

Dance Like a Mother began their performance at 1:30pm lasting approximately half an hour.

Mrs. Brennan said she felt “absolutely amazing” following the performance.

She said: “What brings me the most joy is to see other women feel empowered, feeling like that is the highlight of their maternity, and being so grateful to be able to have that experience because it can be once in a lifetime.

“There have been a few tears, but happy tears because they are just so grateful to have taken part.”

Dance Like a Mother’s fundraising target was £500, and following their performance, they raised an outstanding £3,500.

Mrs. Brennan said this result was “phenomenal”.

At the time of writing, Dance Like a Mother’s fundraising amount stands at £5,010.

If you wish to donate to their cause, please click here.

Dance Like a Mother is a community interest company that applies for funding for many different things.

One of their most significant projects is to work with young parents to ensure they receive the best possible support and fun times at the classes.

Visit the Dance Like a Mother website for more information about the group and how to join classes.