Virus-proof online ballet scheme keeps Falkirk kids on their toes

Babyballet, which also operates in Stirling and West Lothian, has “moved” classes that are normally held face-to-face to a private and secure online platform.

Owner Leanne Pattison said: “It’s a worrying time as the UK deals with the outbreak of the coronavirus, but we are remaining very positive.

“As more and more families self-isolate and limit the amount of social contact they have, our primary focus is to ensure children and families can still enjoy babyballet, even if they can’t physically come to classes.

“Our babyballet pupils are aged from six months to six years-old and most have no idea about the coronavirus and the effect it’s having in the world around them.

“It’s our responsibility to keep the babyballet world as normal as possible for them.

“We will be delivering our online classes with as much passion and energy as ever, it’s just that instead of being in a dance studio, we’ll be on a screen in children’s living rooms”.

The business is based in West Yorkshire and has 83 franchises across the UK.

Founder and chief executive Claire O’Connor said:“There are going to be a lot of families trying to keep their children entertained over the coming weeks.

“We hope that by providing babyballet online children can still enjoy the fun and laughter of classes and continue to keep active.

“As a company, we have had to adapt quickly to ensure business continuity and have worked closely with our entire network who have all been fantastically supportive over the past 48 hours to help take babyballet online.

“The response we’ve had from parents and carers has also been really positive; they’re pleased that the children can keep attending classes and that, in addition, they can continue to support our franchisees, who are all small businesses.”

There’s more information at www.babyballet.co.uk