Hello and welcome to another episode of “Creating Active Lives” with me, Sarah Bolitho. and my guest today, Sammie Searle. Sammie has over 26 years of experience in the entertainment industry, both in the UK and internationally. and is the founder of the highly successful entertainment company Boogie Tots. She is also involved in promoting “This Girl Can,” an initiative that encourages women of all ages to get active and participate in various forms of exercise. Today, we’ll be delving into Sammie’s journey, her work with Boogie Tots, and her involvement with This Girl Can.
**Sammie’s Journey with This Girl Can and Boogie Tots**
Sarah: Sammie, welcome to the show. It’s great to have you here. To start with, could you tell us a bit about yourself, how you got involved with This Girl Can and then how you came to create Boogie Tots?
Sammie: Thank you for having me, Sarah. My journey with Boogie Tots and This Girl Can began when I saw an opportunity to create something special. I’ve always been passionate about dance and movement, having worked in the entertainment industry for many years. When I settled back in the UK and started a family, I noticed a lack of active and fun dance classes for children. This is when I founded Boogie Tots, aiming to provide children with a platform to enjoy dancing to their favourite music and express themselves freely. As for This Girl Can, I wanted to extend my passion for movement to a wider audience, particularly women and girls. I saw the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for people to try different forms of exercise and build their confidence.
**About This Girl Can**
Sarah: So, for those who might not be familiar with This Girl Can, could you explain what it’s all about?
Sammie: Absolutely. This Girl Can is a national campaign that encourages women and girls to get active and participate in various forms of physical activity. It’s all about breaking down barriers, promoting inclusivity, and celebrating women’s achievements in sports and fitness. The initiative aims to inspire women of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds to overcome any insecurities or doubts and embrace an active lifestyle.
**Boogie Tots: Getting Kids Moving**
Sarah: That’s fantastic. Now, moving on to Boogie Tots, could you tell us more about the type of activities and classes you offer for children?
Sammie: Of course. Boogie Tots is all about making movement fun and engaging for children aged walking to under five years old. Our classes incorporate a wide range of music, from traditional nursery rhymes to popular TV themes, ensuring that kids are dancing to tunes they love. The classes focus on promoting motor skills, boosting confidence, and encouraging self-expression. We create a safe space where children can explore different movements, interact with others, and build a positive relationship with physical activity from an early age.
**Creating Confidence Through Movement**
Sarah: It’s fantastic that you’re instilling the love for movement and dance at such a young age. How do you see this early exposure to movement benefiting children as they grow and develop?
Sammie: Early exposure to movement and dance has numerous benefits for children’s development. It helps them improve their motor skills, coordination, and balance. Additionally, dancing is a wonderful way for children to express themselves creatively, build self-confidence, and enhance their social interactions. By making movement enjoyable and exciting, we’re setting a foundation for a healthy and active lifestyle that children can carry with them as they grow older.
**This Girl Can: Building Confidence Through Exercise**
Sarah: Shifting our focus to This Girl Can, what types of classes or activities do you offer to women and girls as part of this initiative?
Sammie: With This Girl Can, the aim is to provide women and girls with a diverse range of exercise options to choose from. The classes are designed to be inclusive and accessible, catering to various fitness levels and preferences. We offer activities like dance fitness, yoga-inspired stretch, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and more. The goal is to empower women to try new forms of exercise and find what resonates with them. We create a supportive environment where participants can exercise at their own pace and feel comfortable stepping out of their comfort zones.
**Embracing a Feel-Good Factor Through Dance**
Sarah: It’s wonderful that This Girl Can offers such a variety of activities. Speaking of dance, what are the unique benefits of using dance as a way to stay active and healthy?
Sammie: Dance offers a multitude of benefits beyond physical fitness. One of the most important aspects is the feel-good factor. Dancing to music can uplift your mood, boost your energy, and promote mental well-being. Music is a powerful motivator, and moving your body to the rhythm is not only fun but also a great stress reliever. Dance also allows for self-expression and creativity, enabling individuals to freely move their bodies in different ways. It’s a joyful and exciting way to exercise that engages both the body and the mind.
In conclusion, This Girl Can is more than just a campaign; it’s a movement that empowers women of all ages and backgrounds to embrace physical activity, build confidence, and discover the joy of movement. Through initiatives like This Girl Can, individuals have the opportunity to break free from the confines of self-doubt and societal expectations, finding spaces where they can explore various forms of exercise and physical expression. Sammie Searle’s dedication to promoting active lives through Boogie Tots and her involvement in This Girl Can exemplify the positive impact that accessible, inclusive fitness programs can have on individuals’ well-being and overall quality of life.
As we’ve explored, the benefits of programs like This Girl Can go beyond physical fitness. They extend to mental health, social connections, and self-assuredness. By offering safe spaces for people to engage in diverse activities, express themselves, and develop newfound skills, these programs contribute to a culture of self-acceptance and mutual support. The stories shared by Sammie Searle remind us that movement is not bound by age or ability – it’s a fundamental part of being human that can be nurtured and celebrated throughout life.
Whether it’s through dance fitness, box fitness, yoga, or any other activity, the underlying message of This Girl Can remains clear: everyone has the right to move, play, and thrive. It’s about embracing the journey, celebrating progress, and discovering the boundless potential within our own bodies. So, whether you’re a young child discovering the joy of movement or an adult finding your way back to physical activity, the message is the same – “This Girl Can” and “This Kid Can” – because movement knows no boundaries.
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