One of the absolute highlights of being the franchisor of Boogie Beat is getting out of my own area and spending time with our amazing franchisees, watching them in action. It really is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.
When you’re busy running your own classes, it’s easy to become focused on your own timetable, your own families and your own community. That’s why visiting our franchisees is always such a special reminder that Boogie Beat is making a difference in so many places across the country.
What I love most is seeing how every franchisee brings their own personality to their sessions. They all follow the Boogie Beat way – our unique mix of music, movement, storytelling and imagination – but each one adds their own warmth, creativity and individual style. That is one of the wonderful things about franchising. Every business reflects the person behind it while staying true to the values that make Boogie Beat so special.
This week I had the pleasure of spending the morning with Julie, our wonderful franchisee in Banstead. Julie has been part of the Boogie Beat family for nine years. I still remember when she first enquired about joining us. She came along to watch one of my classes, completely fell in love with Boogie Beat and never looked back. Seeing how her business has flourished over the years fills me with enormous pride.
A Session That Truly Touched My Heart
The session I joined wasn’t held in a village hall or community centre -it was at a care home.
For several years, Julie has been running intergenerational sessions at Signature Care Home in Banstead, bringing together the residents and children from Banstead Prep School. The children even travel over by minibus, so they’ve already had an adventure before the session begins!
As we waited for the children to arrive, I chatted with some of the residents. What struck me immediately was just how excited they were. Several told me that this was their favourite activity of the entire week. They already knew many of the children’s names and couldn’t wait to see them.
There was also one gentleman who had recently moved into the care home and was experiencing Boogie Beat for the very first time. Watching his smile grow throughout the session was simply magical.
When the children arrived, Julie led them around the room to say hello to every resident individually before the music even started. It was such a simple gesture, but one that instantly created connection and warmth.
Throughout the session, the interaction between the generations was beautiful.
The children threw beanbags for the residents to catch, played games together, laughed together and encouraged one another. Some of the residents held the parachute as everyone sang familiar songs, while others joined in with actions and storytelling. The children proudly demonstrated their favourite moves, and the residents beamed with delight.
It wasn’t just the residents enjoying themselves. The staff from the prep school were smiling throughout, clearly loving seeing the confidence, kindness and enthusiasm of the children.
At the end of the session, every child left by giving each resident a high five.
It was such a simple moment, but one filled with genuine affection.
Afterwards I spoke with several residents, who told me how much they had enjoyed the morning. One lady I chatted with was 96 years old, while another remarkable resident was 104. Both had been fully involved – throwing, catching, singing and smiling alongside the children.
That is exactly what makes these intergenerational sessions so incredibly special.
They create genuine connections between generations who may otherwise never meet. They bring laughter, purpose, confidence and companionship. They remind us all that joy has no age limit.
It’s impossible not to leave a session like that feeling uplifted.
More Than Just a Franchise
After the session, Julie and I headed to a nearby coffee shop where we spent a lovely couple of hours catching up.
Of course we talked about business- how things are growing, the goals we’d set earlier in the year, new opportunities and future plans, but we also chatted about holidays, family life and everything in between.
Moments like these remind me that being a franchisor isn’t just about supporting businesses.
It’s about building relationships.
Our franchisees aren’t simply names on a spreadsheet or people who attend training days. They’re part of the Boogie Beat family, and spending quality time together helps us celebrate successes, work through challenges and continue growing together.
Last year I had the opportunity to visit several of our franchisees in the Midlands, and I’m already looking forward to planning more trips to visit others around the country.
Every visit leaves me feeling inspired.
Why I’m So Proud of Our Franchise Network
Watching Julie lead such a magical session reminded me exactly why I love what I do.
Seeing Boogie Beat being delivered with such passion, warmth and professionalism in communities far beyond my own is something I never take for granted.
Our franchisees change lives every single week – just for children, but for parents, grandparents, schools, care homes and entire communities.
As a franchisor, there really is no greater privilege than witnessing that first-hand.
Thank you, Julie, for welcoming me into your wonderful session. It was a morning I’ll remember for a very long time, and I’m already looking forward to my next franchise visit.
If you are interested in learning more about bringing Boogie Beat to your community please check out our franchise page here