Julie Greenwood is starting Tappy Toes classes in her home town of Sherwood, in Nottingham. Find out more about Julie and what lead her to ditch the classroom, and start up her very own Tappy Toes business!
My Dance Background
I grew up in Hartlepool, a small town in the North- East and went to dance classes from the age of 3 at the Lena Whitelock School of Dance. I danced almost every night after school, learning ballet, tap and jazz until the age of 17. We did yearly showcases in a local theatre and I loved to be on stage!
I always had a great passion for dance and performing so at the age of 7 also joined the P and M Dance School to learn ballroom and latin dance too. I was soon competing all around the UK in amateur competitions -and even became a UK Under 16 Ballroom Champion in Blackpool with my dance partner. At 14 I became the youngest heat winner of the UK’s Saturday Night Fever Dance Championship– all the craze in those days!! I then did my teaching qualification and taught dance in my local dance school which I loved.
My Teaching Journey
After gaining my O and A levels at school, I went off to University in Liverpool to do a teaching degree and train as a Primary school teacher. I’d always dreamt of becoming a teacher since childhood and was thrilled when I got my first post in a school in Birmingham.
I still kept up my dancing, taking part in contemporary classes at the Hippodrome and of course incorporating dance and movement into the primary curriculum and holding after school classes for my pupils.
After moving to Nottingham in 1989, I felt I wanted to pursue my dance teaching further and began teaching classes to adults in ballroom and latin- just like Strictly Come Dancing! Alongside this, I started up a business teaching fitness classes around Nottingham and even became a lecturer in fitness training, coaching potential instructors.
Dance Mum
Following the births of my 2 daughters- Ella, then Ruby, I was a stay-at- home mum for a while. Always on the lookout for inspiring classes to take them to. They both started dance classes at 3 years old and absolutely thrived there. Growing in both confidence and physical ability!
I loved being a dance Mum, taking them to festivals and performances and am still one today -following Ruby around the country on her UK tour as a professional dancer! You can’t beat that feeling of watching your babies sparkle and shine doing something they love!
Back to School
When my girls were 2 and 6 years old, I re-started my teaching career to fit in with their school holidays. I then discovered my love for the Early Years age group and found my niche! I have taught in nursery schools and Early Years Foundation units within schools for the past 21 years. Being a senior teacher and Early Years Lead for the latter years of my career. I have led in schools on movement, dance, music and singing which has been my passion!
I truly believe that children can express themselves through the joy of dance and movement from a very early age- prior to them communicating through speech. It is such a joy to see them develop their confidence in using their bodies, as well as making huge leaps in their physical, social and emotional skills!
Next Steps
I have arrived at the stage in my career where I want to work on a more flexible, part time basis with hours to suit myself. Can you imagine the delight when I found Tappy Toes – a career where I can mix my love of teaching young children with my passion for dance!! It’s the perfect next step for me and I hope for you and your little one too!!
You can join me, by clicking here to book a dance class for your little one!
