Lucy Crabtree named as new MD of babyballet

The 26-year-old has now worked for babyballet for 10 years, and during that time has risen through the ranks to get her to the position she is in today

babyballet has had a lot to celebrate since reopening its doors and welcoming thousands of families back to classes. And none of that could have been achieved without the direction of its committed head office team, which includes newly appointed UK managing director, Lucy Crabtree. The 26-year-old fondly known as Miss Lucy has now worked for babyballet for 10 years, and during that time has risen through the ranks at the children’s dance franchise to get her to the position she is in today.

Beginning her babyballet journey in 2011 as a Saturday assistant, Lucy’s enthusiasm soon became apparent, and her infectious personality and commitment have been recognised by franchisees, customers, colleagues and suppliers alike. Over the years, Lucy has occupied roles such as party assistant, party host, teaching assistant, dance teacher, events host, events manager and social media assistant. Through gaining valuable knowledge of the company at different levels, Lucy remained determined to become one of babyballet’s most important assets and since completing qualifications in digital marketing and becoming marketing manager at the head office in 2016, has used her extensive experience to springboard herself into the vital role of UK managing director.

“Being asked to become MD is an absolute dream come true for me!” said Lucy. “Not only have I grown up at babyballet, but the people I have met and the opportunities I have been presented with have been beyond incredible – I feel very lucky to have been able to experience so much already in my career.

“Reflecting not only on myself but how the business has developed over the last 10 years, is by far my highlight. We have achieved so much, which has been affirmed by not only making it through the last 18 months but thriving as a dance franchise, network and business. I have always had an unwavering passion for the mission and ethos of babyballet so I am incredibly proud to step into this new position and use this immense belief in the brand to drive the company to new heights. All I can say is watch this space, babyballet is so much more than just a dance class and I have big plans for the future!”

Lucy has been a key figure in the development of the brand and business, including being instrumental in developing key partnerships with brands such as e-One Peppa Pig and leading national campaigns. During the pandemic, babyballet’s Free Lockdown Programme delivered educational, online content to over 16,000 children across the nation and encouraged them to be active whilst they were stuck at home.

As well as this, throughout Lucy’s 10 years at babyballet, she has fronted charity fundraising which has resulted in raising over £1,000,000 for various charities across the UK. These charities include Tommy’s Baby Charity, Caudwell Children, Children in Need and Comic Relief.

“This positive appointment is a significant and exciting development for the business,” explained Claire O’Connor, founder and CEO of babyballet. “Lucy is an extremely talented and driven lady with a decade of experience of the brand, which will allow her to successfully manage the UK franchise business to the next level.

“The company is at the start of an exciting new growth chapter with a solid plan to enrich and support existing franchisees as well as increase the number of franchisees throughout the UK. Lucy’s fresh and vibrant leadership will be instrumental to this exciting phase in our business development, and I have immense faith in her ability to deliver above and beyond on the objectives.”

babyballet has been able to celebrate a period of great success and industry recognition with contributions made by Lucy. Most notably, the Most Loved Music, Dance and Performing Arts Franchisor or Independent with 30+ Leaders has been awarded to babyballet by ‘What’s on 4 Kid’s Awards’ for the third year running. Not to mention ‘Loved by Parents’ Platinum award for Best Baby/Toddler Class in the UK and Dance Franchise 2020 in CV Magazine’s ‘Franchise Awards’ have all been collected by the children’s dance school during Lucy’s time as an important member of the team, which is currently celebrating officially becoming a 5-star franchise following an incredibly successful debut year with WorkBuzz. As well as this, Lucy herself has been commended for her amazing work with the dance business and was awarded the Remarkable Achievement award at the What’s On 4 Kids awards.