Creating the decision makers of the future in Dubai

Multi-award-winning UK children’s activity provider has launched in Dubai, offering specialised classes for the under-fives that inspires them to develop the skills they need to be the decision makers of the future.

Tappy Toes is a baby, pre-school and toddler dance class that supports children’s development and builds fine motor skills, musicality, confidence, posture, co-ordination and social skills. Unique to the sessions, which follows the UK early years foundation stage (EYFS) framework, is the focus on encouraging the children to speak out in class and share ideas.

“I have been teaching these classes for twenty years and have seen how valuable this life skill is for children and how it helps them to progress in education,” says Claire “We encourage the children to speak out and not be afraid to express their opinions. By getting them used to doing this at a young age, it becomes part of who they are, leading to more confidence and the understanding that their voice matters. These are all skills that will prove invaluable as they move through schools and university and even in the workplace.”

There are currently 32 Tappy Toes franchises across the UK. It’s a proven and successful model that has been franchised for ten years and won multiple high-profile awards as well as receiving over 600 five-star reviews from parents on the website and being voted by parents as the most loved dance and performing arts class in the What’s On 4 Kids Awards for the last two years.

Tappy Toes in Dubai officially launched in September 2023, with a soft launch and trial sessions in August 2023, under the brand name Toddle Toes. The activities during the classes are based around a child’s development and features elements that they are already familiar with including lots of singing and actions.

“The structure of the classes and the use of props within them, help children to develop many different skills such as sharing, teamwork and the development of fine motor skills,” adds Claire. “Most importantly, the children have lots of fun and although they are developing their speaking and listening skills, they are also encouraged to participate in a group setting, building their social skills and growing their confidence.” 

Toddle Toes Dubai is owned by Paysley McGlashan, originally from the beautiful city of York, England. After graduating from university in the UK, she taught dance to children while working at a US summer camp, then moving to Los Angeles to spend twelve years working in the media. After meeting her husband, the couple relocated to Dubai in 2016 and now have a child, Jaxon.

“I firmly believe things come to you when they are supposed to and children’s dance is something I have thought about doing for a long time,” says Paysley. “It is an absolute honour to bring this incredible brand to the city.”

Paysley discovered the benefits of Toddle Toes after struggling to find a dance class that suited her child as she explains: “My love of dance first attracted me to Toddle Toes and to combine that with something I can do with my four-year-old little boy was a real bonus. I have struggled in the past to find a dance and movement class that has something for everyone (parents included), and Toddle Toes offers that.”

With the launch of Toddle Toes in Dubai, families can expect to find a safe space for children to play, learn and grow and most importantly have fun with friends, new and old. “I am excited to see more children and parents enjoy music and dance and to bring an established and award-winning product to the region,” adds Paysley. “I’m committed to creating an established, trusted and recognised brand within Dubai that people want to come back to and tell their friends about.”

Tappy Toes has been established in the UK since 2005 and has been franchising for the last ten years. Award credits include Franchise of the Year winners at the Virtual Franchise Awards for three years, Best Franchise of the Year in the WorkBuzz Best Franchise Awards and the most loved dance and performing arts class in the What’s On 4 Kids Awards. They are also listed in the Top 100 Elite Franchise Awards 2024.

Tappy Toes are full members of the Quality Franchise Association, a not-for-profit, trade association that promotes franchising and Claire is also part of the board. Internationally, Tappy Toes has worked with P&O Cruises on-board the Carnival Cruise lines to provide teachers to entertain passengers under the age of five.

There are expansion plans for Toddle Toes in Abu Dhabi and Saudi. Interested potential franchisees who have a love of working with children in a creative environment should email info@toddletoes.ae or visit: www.toddletoes.ae/franchise/

To be the first to hear more about Toddle Toes in Dubai and sign up for classes, contact Paysley on +971528165452 or email dubai@toddletoes.ae