Meet the early years disco queen

Community dance artist Lizzie Hawes runs Baby Loves To Boogie and Kids Love To Boogie events at DanceEast in Ipswich. Ahead of the next sessions on Sunday, Lizzie explains why dance is for all ages

Who are you and what do you do?

Hello! I’m Lizzie, a community dance artist, enthusiastic encourager of movement and a Mum of two!

How long have you been in the role and what is your background?

I’ve worked in the community for over 10 years and with all ages of people in a variety of settings. I trained in community dance at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and have actively sought out projects that align with my core values of: Connection, Kindness and JOY!

So, what does being a dance and movement leader involve?

I’m a firm believer that dance is an invitation to connection; with your body, with other people, with the world we live in. As a dance and movement leader my role is to ensure the safety and comfort of those who wish to accept that invitation, holding space for them to explore freely and without fear of judgement. My work has been mostly based with Early Years, but I have a keen interest in Families enjoying dance together and I love to create environments where the whole team is engaging!

Parachute fun at a Kids Love To Boogie (picture credit: Alicia Clarke)

What happens at the Baby Loves To Boogie and Kids Love To Boogie events – what can parents/children expect on the day?

Funky lights, music, joyful games, props, Arts and Crafts and a whole lot of BOOGIEING! There is a structure in place to suit a variety of needs – we have time slots whereby it is more of a sensory exploration and led movement and then other time slots for just boogieing to some fab disco music.

How important is dance for ALL ages?

SO important! It is the most wholesome activity; creative, physical, mental and social wellbeing benefits in abundance! I have worked with babes in arms all the way to nonagenarians and I have always found dance to be a common ground – where daily stresses and strains can be forgotten about even if just for a moment.

Baby Loves to Boogie (10.30am) and Kids Love to Boogie (1.30pm) take place at Sunday May 10, 2026, at DanceEast, Jerwood DanceHouse, Ipswich. To book Baby Loves to Boogie and to book Kids Love to Boogie, visit DanceEast.

Featured image of Lizzie Hawes by Alicia Clarke