A GENEROUS dance teacher is offering children in Monmouthshire and Blaenau Gwent free online classes to help support them and their parents through lockdown.

Charlotte Cordingley, who teaches for Tiny Toes Ballet, is offering an eight-week course which combines drama, dance, cookery and more – aimed at children aged seven and under.

Ms Cordingley, who has been teaching for three years with the company, started the Monmouthshire and Blaenau Gwent franchise last year, and is hoping to bring classes to venues in Abergavenny, Ebbw Vale and Chepstow after the pandemic.

“You might think I’m crazy to invest in my own franchise halfway through a pandemic, but I truly believe the benefits of our classes are more valuable now than they have ever been,” she said.

Free Press Series: Charlotte CordingleyCharlotte Cordingley

“Every week we’ll provide learning through dance classes, learning through role play and drama classes, and a practical learning activity, including arts and crafts and cooking classes.

“The resources will also come with a downloadable activity and a parental letter to explain the purpose of each weekly programme and which curriculum outcomes the activities will meet.”

Free Press Series: Daisy loves itDaisy loves it

Emma Morgan, who founded the business in 2011, explained why – at a difficult financial time for the company – they have decided to offer classes for free.
“A child’s need for development doesn’t stop,” she said. “It’s vital they consistently have the opportunity to learn and grow.

“We are proud to offer pupils classes where they are learning about the world around them through the magic of dance.

Free Press Series: Sisters Tabitha and Dorothy enjoying the classesSisters Tabitha and Dorothy enjoying the classes

“And it’s not just dance; we’re offering extra online activities like story time, parties, and creative tasks which further stimulate children and help provide a sense of normality.

“One thing we have learnt during the pandemic is the importance of togetherness, and so this is our way of supporting the community and keeping our children and families smiling.”

Free Press Series: Emma Morgan with kids at Tiny ToesEmma Morgan with kids at Tiny Toes

It isn’t the first time Tiny Toes has offered free activities during lockdown. Earlier in the pandemic they were busy doing Youtube activity days and live interactive adult ‘Ballet Fit’ classes, among other things.

“There have been lots of challenges, like working out the new technology, choosing a platform which allowed teachers to interact with pupils, and preparing guides for our parents who weren’t used to accessing online classes,” Ms Morgan added.

Free Press Series: Three-year-old Erin enjoying the classesThree-year-old Erin enjoying the classes

“But it’s been a pleasure to play our part in keeping the nation occupied.

“I hope we’ve shown people that profit is not at the heart of what we do. It is educating children and helping them as much as we can.”

For more information visit the Tiny Toes Ballet website at tinytoesballet.co.uk.