Interview with Pitter Patter Dance

- Tell us a bit about yourself?

Pitter Patter Parties offer dance-based party entertainment across Christchurch from Rangiora to Rolleston and everywhere in between. We have six themes to choose from (Princess, Pirate, Fairy, Mermaid, Popstar and Superhero) and three packages to suit every budget.

- What's your specialty?

Our party hosts are trained in dancing, singing and acting, and all six of our themes incorporate dance-based role play, games and story-telling for an hour full of fun and imagination.

- Whats your point of difference, your edge in this industry?

We believe that making dreams come true on a child’s birthday is of the utmost importance. So, we ensure that our hosts will go to extreme lengths to uphold the magic. We bring everything we need so you only need to provide the space, and we’ll do the rest!

- How long have you been doing your child's party related business?

Pitter Patter Parties has been running for 7 years

- What got you into your child's party related business?

I was a fairy for children’s parties many moons ago and it was my absolute favourite job ever! I even used to carry wishing stones with me everywhere I went in case I was recognised by a child (naturally I would tell them I was in disguise and was heading back to fairyland later). I wanted to continue to bring that magic for more children, so I added parties to my existing business, teaching dance to preschoolers and young children (Pitter Patter Dance Ltd, est 2012).

- How did you come up with your business name? Funny story behind that?

When I first started my dance studio, Pitter Patter Dance Ltd, I had already been teaching dance for 20 years and had previously told people that I preferred teaching the younger dancers because I loved hearing the ‘Pitter Patter’ of little feet. There was never going to be a different name! As an extension to this business, Pitter Patter Parties had a great ring to it.

- What are your goals for the future?

I would love to continue offering party entertainment and while I hope to grow the business to a degree, the personal touch is very important to me. So, we will be staying local for the foreseeable future.

- What's your number one tip for people wanting to get into this industry?

Understand that you are working with children. So, you never know what you will get, and you need to always be ready to switch things up if they are shy, free spirited or things aren’t getting the response you’d hoped. Their enjoyment is always the focus, no matter how great your lesson plan might be. If they want to twirl for 20 minutes straight, that’s what you do!

Also, be ready for tricky questions. You always have to be prepared to explain why you can’t fly even though you have wings, or how you can survive out of water if you are a mermaid. Keeping that magic alive for little ones is so precious, but they will see right through you if you fumble, haha.

- What's your favorite part of the job?

100% the children! I love seeing the joy on their faces when a princess or superhero turns up at their party, especially if it’s a surprise. Knowing that I have been a part of making a child’s dream come true is as equally magical for me as it is them!

- What's your least favourite part of this job?

Cancelling parties It’s extremely rare, but if a host is terribly unwell or injured and we are fully booked, and therefore forced to cancel a party, it breaks my heart knowing that a wee one is going to be disappointed. Thankfully, I have a good relationship with another party company in Chch and usually reach out to them in the hope that we can still do something for the client. My focus is always on the children!

Some of Pitter Patter Dance party themes

See more details here