Are you a dad who wishes you could spend more quality time with your kids? You’re not alone: 73% of UK dads want to be more involved in their children’s everyday lives, according to our latest study.
The trouble is, there are just so many things that can get in the way. Our research found that the biggest blockers to time with the kids are working late (36%), the family budget being too stretched (27%) and being distracted by their social media (20%). What’s more, 18% of the dads we spoke to pointed to a lack confidence when it comes to participating in activities they didn’t learn during their own childhoods.
That’s why we’re launching a brand-new class at David Lloyd Clubs: Daddy Ballet.
These seriously fun sessions will give fathers the chance to learn ballet basics, all while spending time with the kids. Pirouettes, pliés and parenting, if you will.
After all, our study found that despite lacking time and confidence, most dads totally understand the benefits of taking part in their kids’ activities. Nine in ten agreed that spending time doing activities with their children helps improve mental and physical wellbeing – for both parents and kids.
Our Daddy Ballet classes are the perfect opportunity for some of that mood-boosting family bonding. Just ask Olympic medallist Greg Rutherford, who joined a trial class with his daughter.
“I’m no stranger to dancing but having the chance to get involved with my daughter by my side has been really special,” he says.
“There’s no quality time like it – neither of us are experts and we can learn together. For me, it’s important to take a genuine interest in my kids’ hobbies and David Lloyd Clubs allow this to happen with its Daddy Ballet classes. I encourage dads up and down the country to join me in dusting off the dancing shoes!”
Alongside all-important family time, dads will get an excellent workout. There’s nothing quite like ballet for toning and strengthening, as well as improving cardio fitness. And it really doesn’t matter if you’ve never danced before, as our expert instructors will guide you through the moves.
We’re trialling Daddy Ballet Classes as part of DL Kids across David Lloyd Clubs from October 2024. Speak to your local club to find out more. If you can’t wait to get started, you can try some moves at home with our video below.
Of course, Daddy Ballet is far from the only chance for family bonding at David Lloyd Clubs. We love seeing families get active together. As well as offering everything from swimming to tennis, we also recently launched REBELS, family-friendly versions of exercise classes including HIIT, yoga and group cycling. These sessions allow parents and children aged between eight and fourteen to work out together– a fitness-industry first.
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