Razzamataz Theatre Schools expands with launch of new product

Razz Minis Technique was conceived almost two years ago and has been under constant review to refine and create something that is ideal for children aged four and five

Dragons’ Den backed Razzamataz Theatre Schools is piloting a new class called Razz Minis Technique to support and enhance its existing classes. It was an idea that was conceived almost two years ago and has been under constant review to refine and create something that is ideal for children aged four and five.

The idea was first brought to the Razzamataz head office by Kate Ward (pictured), the franchisee of the Southend school. Kate’s extensive background and passion for all things dance led her to work with the head office to develop this new product and grow the Razzamataz offering.

“I feel extremely passionate about this project and so grateful for the support that Denise and Charlotte at the head office have given me,” says Kate. “I’ve worked really hard with the head office to develop Razz Minis Technique and I’m so excited to see the benefits to both students and other franchisees.”

As is the practice with all new Razzamataz products, a school will trial the class before rolling it out to the entire network of more than 50 schools UK-wide. Razzamataz Southend has just launched Razz Minis Technique and already the class is fully booked.

Kate has danced from the age of two and trained and qualified with the ISTD, IDTA, RAD and more recently BBO. She has taught for more than 18 years and entered students for exams with 100 per cent examination pass rate. She has been running dance schools for many years but when looking to expand into offering musical theatre, she found Razzamataz and decided to invest in a franchise and merge her dance school within it.

“I love being part of a franchise and the opportunities that it has given me,” adds Kate. “Although I’m a very experienced teacher, I now realise that I did make many mistakes in terms of running the business side of things. Being part of the Razzamataz franchise network has allowed me to learn so much from both the head office and other franchisees. The support and training that we receive have given me the confidence to really run with my ideas and understand how to prepare with research and business plans.”

Denise Hutton-Gosney, MD and founder of Razzamataz explains: “Like many franchises, we often look to within our own network to find the talent that can help push the business to new heights. Kate is a passionate and proactive principal and we have been delighted to work with her to develop Razz Minis Technique, a new class that will be a real asset to our entire network.”

Razz Minis Technique will focus on the underlying techniques of dance and feature 30 minutes of ballet and 30 minutes of tap dancing. Kate has developed a syllabus to share with the network to offer a good groundwork in the rudiments of dance. By instilling the fundamentals early, it not only gives young children the opportunity to progress further in the performing profession, but it also offers essential life skills. These will include the confidence to stand straight and walk into a room with purpose, discipline, focus, concentration, strength, flexibility and a good awareness of fine motor skills.

“Many parents enquire about if we teach ballet for their young children,” adds Kate. “It is exciting to be able to tap into a brand new market and give our existing customers the opportunity to try a new class that will offer their child real skills for life as well as an excellent grounding for those with an ongoing passion for the arts.”