Dance instructor Justine Woodall launches Kids Moves on the Gold Coast after Cairns success

Dance teacher Justine Woodall has taken a leap of faith and launched her business offering fitness programs to children on the Gold Coast.

Justine Woodall runs Kids Moves, which provides interactive fitness classes designed for children two years and up. Pictured with Justine are (from left) Tilly, Aiden, Bonnie and Raven. Picture: TIM MARSDEN

DANCE teacher Justine Woodall has taken a leap of faith and launched her business offering fitness programs to children on the Gold Coast.

Ms Woodall made the decision to move from Cairns after daughter Jazz Woodall was accepted into the Certificate III in Dance course run by Tweed studio Dance Force.

She started the business in Cairns more than five years ago after becoming concerned by the rising rates of obesity in children and soon had a majority of childcare centres in the tourist town using her services.

Kids Moves offers fitness-orientated classes to daycare centres and schools as well as special events and birthday parties.

Justine Woodall runs Kids Moves, which provides interactive fitness classes designed for children two years and up. Pictured with Justine are (from left): Tilly, Aiden, Bonnie and Raven. Picture: Tim Marsden

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Ms Woodall said she visits the daycare centre or school with a suitcase full of props and engages the collective imagination of the children rather than relying on any rigid plan.

She said one day they may pretend to visit Scotland or MovieWorld — she does not know where they will end up.

“There is no structure, the kids lead the way,” she said.

“I do not know what I will be doing with them until I arrive.”

Ms Woodall said any number of fitness props or dance activities, from Zumba to yoga, might be deployed during a typical 30-minute class.

“Hula hoops are my main asset, we do not hula with them. We drive with them, we roll with them. It is full of adventure,” she said.

“This year kindy’s Zumba is taking off,” she said.

“It is favouring the boys more than the girls. They love it.”

Ms Woodall said she first started dancing after being bullied at school for being overweight.

She said dance was her saviour then and she later decided launch a business where children could come to understand the positive effect of physical activity.

“I thought I can make a difference,” she said.

“I’m in a country where children’s obesity is killing our kids.

“Kids are being forced to be in front of gadgets, they do not have the option to do anything else.”

She said the business was embraced by early childhood teachers in Cairns and when the opportunity came up to move to the Gold Coast, she grabbed it with both arms.

“I thought what a great opportunity to extend the business. If it is going to take off it is going to take off here.”

She has four Goodstart centres on board already and is aiming for 10 by the end of the year.

Ms Woodall said she will then turn her attention towards birthday parties, special events, and even weddings.