Become a Dance Like a Mother Instructor
our story
JOIN THE SISTERHOOD
Dance Like a Mother is like no other parent & baby class out there, and we know this because our attendees tell us all the time! We like to do things differently and we believe that having instructors who emulate our values, are outgoing and kind, plus just a little bit bonkers are the reason parents love our classes so much.
Being part of Dance Like a Mother is having the flexibility of your own business, while having a supportive team around you. We have been running classes across Greater Manchester since 2016 and know the impact they have on everyone who attends (also our instructors!) and we are excited to share the DLAM love with even more parents across the UK!
We are a close team and finding instructors who are the right fit is very important to us, so there will be a recruitment process involved (but don't worry it will be lots of fun!) In return you will be part of a supportive team, receive fantastic training and ongoing support.
We currently run 19 classes across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Bury, Lancashire & the Wirral as well as events, festivals & performances. We also run DLAM Dance Fit, which provides fun Dance Fitness classes in the evening for Women (no babies or kids allowed!) and recently started running Women’s Circles too!
We also have The DLAM Fam CIC, which is our Community Interest Company. This is our non-profit arm of the business and ensures that we can provide free classes to those who need them, as well as other projects that support and empower Mums (and all Parents). We currently have funding from The National lottery to fund classes for parents under 25 and/or on low income.
If you are looking for a career that works around your family life, is rewarding, fun & brings joy and confidence to other parents then this is for you!
We are currently prioritizing recruiting for instructors in the following areas:
Manchester
Lancashire
Tameside
Chester & Cheshire North
Leeds
Liverpool
Cheshire East
Cheshire Central
Cheshire South
However we are in the process of adapting our training systems so we provide the best training and support for instructors across the UK. So please feel free to apply and we will be in touch.
Please note, that at this time we are unable to offer training outside of the UK
It’s all about you
What you will need to join the team and make Dance Like a Mother a success in your area…
You will need to be an extrovert, very outgoing, fun, kind & passionate. If the thought of leading a large group of very chatty Mums and being the center of attention sounds like your worst nightmare; then this isn’t for you!
You will need to be driven and passionate want to have your own business and be committed to making it a success.
You don't take yourself seriously, have a good sense of humor and aren't afraid of failing or making a dickhead of yourself!
You want to be part of a team (no lone wolves here!) We believe we are stronger together and that amazing things can happen when women support & empower each other.
Dance experience is preferred. Ideally you will have a dance back ground, but you must have excellent rhythm, timing, sass and be able to pick up choreography quickly. Experience of teaching dance would be ideal; but full training will be given.
You will need to be a parent or have experience that gives you a deep understanding of parents and babies.
Knowledge & experience of babywearing is desired, but not essential as full training will be given.
You are kind, empathetic and have high emotional intelligence. You want to help others, enjoy bringing women together and are passionate about issues around Parenting & Motherhood
DLAM will take up your time, become your life and can earn you a good living, with flexible hours. We ask that Instructors do a minimum of 3 classes a week (this will ideally be over 1 - 2 days). So, If you run another business or have another job you will need to be able to run both around each other. You will need to be committed to putting time and energy into Dance Like a Mother. However, we are open to discussing if your current role will fit around you running your classes.
other things to concider
Training - Training will need to be completed within 10 weeks consecutive weeks and launch of 2 classes in 12 weeks.
The training is a combination of:
At home online study via our training portal and videos. You will need to complete and pass each module.
Babywearing Peer Support Training, with Dr Rosie Knowles ( 1 day Zoom, with study and prep beforehand)
DLAM Babywearing Training with Nikki ( 1 day in Manchester. 10am - 2pm)
Minimum of 4 x Training/Observation classes/sessions in Manchester. Between 10am & 2pm. By the end of the 4 sessions you will be leading the classes (with support of your trainer), so you feel confident to go out and run classes in your area. During this time you will be observed and given feedback to ensure you are providing the classes by the standard required and you feel confident and happy in your role. You can attend more If you wish and you will need to be signed off, ahead of launching your own classes.
Ongoing mentor for weekly check-ins and support
This is not a 9 to 5 - Running DLAM classes has the capacity to work around your family life, is incredibly rewarding and joyful. But it is also hard work (especially at the start) and you will need to be willing to put in time and effort to get your classes running and continue to grow them. You will need to have support from your Partner/Family to allow you the time to grow your business. But you will also receive LOTS of support and help from us through the process of setting up and going forward. We don’t do terms for our classes, but do take regular time off to re-charge. On average we run classes for 10 months of the year, but If term time works best for you then you can run classes during term time only. We ask that all instructors do a minimum of 3 classes a week. This can be done over 1-2 days a week. However we recommend having 1 day a week available to cover admin, learning new routines, promotion, finding venues, training etc.
Finance - The most important thing to us is finding the right people, so we don’t want finance to be a barrier. You will need to be able to buy the equipment for starting out, but then will be charged a small amount and a fee each month, once your classes start. We are happy to share all costs and potential earning if you are successful in the next stage of the recruitment process.
Patience & Self-Compassion - We believe the reason our classes are so successful and help so many people, is that its more than just a dance or baby class. There is a lot that go into what we do that makes it so special and it will take time to learn and get at ease with it all. All of our Instructors started where you are; so things might not come easy to start with. But with our training & support we can help you to grow a successful and impactful business that is also lots of fun and very rewarding.
Growth & Change - Running your own business can be a big change (but also an exciting one!). We will provide you with all the tools, training and support to grow a successful business. This means having a good and honest relationship, where you are open to growth, change and are always happy to ask for help so we are able to help and support you.
what you get from us
After over 7 years of running successful classes in Greater Manchester, we have had experience of all the ups and downs and know inside out how to make the classes amazing. A wonderful experience for your attendees and profitable and fulfilling one for you. Also with over 20 years experience in training & development, we are dedicated to providing excellent training and on going support and see this as a sisterhood…we are all in this joyful, crazy thing together.
What you get from us…
Use of the Dance Like a Mother Trademark, Branding and intellectual property
Exclusive territory in your chosen area
Full training in all aspects of running the classes. This is done online, 121 and during our classes in Manchester. Plus ongoing Development Sessions, Personal Mentor & HQ Support. And regular get togethers for workshops, training & dancing!
Babywearing Peer support training with Dr Rose Knowles (Born to Carry) and DLAM Babywearing Training with Nikki (SlingaBaby Babywearing Consultant)
Over 50 Amazing Routines (plus new releases every 3 months)
Personal website page with integrated booking site and email
Discounts on Carriers, Branded Clothing & Promo Material…everything you need to get started
Facebook & Instagram Page plus full social media training and regular branded content and support to make sure you stand out
Documents, policies and all admin required to run your business successfully
Nationwide promotion and opportunity to take part in events, festivals and activities (we have appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, Children in Need, Just So Festival, Bluedot Festival and Manchester Day. With lots of exciting opportunities coming up!)
You have the opportunity to gain a great income, with hours that suit you.
Chance to take your baby with you. Not only reducing childcare costs, but creating amazing memories together
Opportunity to gain extra income through projects, events and other classes under the Dance like a Mother brand
What is it like to be a dance like a mother instructor…
next steps
Please ensure you read all of the information on this page fully before applying for further information. Also If you haven’t attended our classes and would like to see what they are all about first, please get in touch here: Contact Us and we would love to have you come join us for a boogie. However you will be asked to attend a class as part of the recruitment process.
Recruitment process
Initial Application: Apply via the button below. This helps us find out a bit about you and why you feel being a Dance Like a Mother could be the business for you. You will hear back from us within 7 working days to let you know If you application will be going forward.
Have you got the moves?: At this point we will ask you to sign an NDA and send us your CV. If you haven’t attended classes before we will invite you to come join us and see what we are all about. Then we will send you over a couple of our routines to learn. We would love you to then film yourself dancing the routines and send over to us. You will then hear back to let you know If your application has been successful.
Lets chat!: At this point we would love to meet you to find out more about you and for you to find out more about Dance Like a Mother and what to expect as a instructor. If we both feel it could be a good fit then we will have a formal interview, where we get to know you better and you can get to know us better.
Interview - Its vital to us that we have people within the team that have the same values as us of Passion for what we do, Vulnerability to be honest, open and ready for change. The ability to see failure as part of the process of success and an honest and clear communicator. Finally Community you must love being around other women and want to improve the lives of others. You will be compassionate, empathetic and willing to take time to create a community within your classes.
If all of this goes well then we will get the wheels in motion and arrange for your training to start and welcome you into The DLAM Family!
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Nikki x