IT'S the booming ballet business that builds confidence in pre-school children, giving them a lifelong love of dance and music.
Born 14 years ago, The Tutu Club has welcomed nearly 2,000 youngsters to its various classes across Southampton and the New Forest since 2009.
Katie Hazell set up the club to provide a fun class for young children, something different from the strict classes she had previously found which weren't targeted at shy or nervous pre-schoolers.
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It all started with a free taster session for 30 kids. Now, the Tutu Club, teaches more than 230 children a week.
Katie told the Daily Echo: "We have such a talented team of teachers helping the members gain confidence and social interaction, learn about music and rhythm, make friends, develop concentration, focus on teacher-led activity, gain muscle, control, balance, coordination, and spatial awareness while we pop bubbles, splash in puddles, fly spaceships, create patterns, spin, and jump mountains!
"We want every child to gain the ability to lose themselves in dance and feel confident to let their light shine in a safe and caring environment.
"Although the children are young, we take the responsibility of starting their dance journey very seriously. We want to be the teachers that they look back on and remember for making them feel amazing!
"We build confidence in pre-school children and give them a love of dance and music. We want everyone to experience the magic that is The Tutu Club!"
All five Tutu Club teachers allow parents, grandparents and carers to watch sessions at Hythe, Shirley, Bartley, Wellow, Bursledon, Colbury and Netley Marsh.
"It is just as much for them as it is the children," said Katie.
"Seeing your child skip, balance, and interact with peers for the first time is something special and we want them to have the chance to share this with us."
The Tutu Club is a recognised school with the Council for Dance Education and Training and has been awarded the Council's certificate of good professional practice.
See thetutuclub.com
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