Baby-Wearing Dance Fitness in Southwark: Moving With Your Baby in SE1

You want to move your body. You want to feel like yourself again. But your baby needs you close, and finding childcare just to get to a fitness class can feel like an impossible puzzle.

We get it. That is exactly why we created our Baby-Wearing Dance Fitness class at The London Academy of Dance in Southwark. You bring your baby. They stay snuggled against your chest in a carrier. And you dance.

No babysitters needed. No guilt. Just music, movement, and your little one right there with you.

What Is Baby-Wearing Dance Fitness?

It is exactly what it sounds like. You wear your baby in a sling or structured carrier, and you dance to Latin, pop, and world music for about 30 minutes.

The movements are specifically chosen to be safe for you and your baby. There is no jumping, no sudden direction changes, and no high-impact anything. Instead, you get flowing steps, gentle hip movements, and rhythmic footwork that raise your heart rate without jarring your body or waking a sleeping baby.

Think of it as a Zumba-style class that has been carefully adapted for postnatal bodies and tiny passengers. The music is upbeat, the energy in the room is joyful, and nobody cares whether you know any "real" dance moves. You just move however feels good.

If you have tried our Zumba classes in Southwark before and loved the vibe, this class has that same energy — just gentler and with more cuddles.

Is It Safe for My Baby?

Safety is the first thing every mum asks about, and rightly so. Here is how we keep it safe:

• Your carrier does the work. Your baby needs to be in a properly fitted sling or structured carrier. We follow the TICKS guidelines recommended by the NHS — Tight, In view, Close enough to kiss, Keep chin off chest, Supported back. If you are unsure about your carrier fit, our instructor Lorena can help you check before class starts.

  
  

• The movements are controlled. We avoid anything bouncy, jerky, or twisty. The choreography uses smooth, rhythmic movements that keep your baby calm and secure. Many babies actually fall asleep during class.

  
  

• The floor is kind to your body. Our studio on Copperfield Street has professional sprung wooden floors. If you have ever tried exercising on a hard gym floor while carrying extra weight (even a small, adorable amount of extra weight), you will appreciate the difference a sprung floor makes on your knees and ankles.

  
  

• Your instructor understands postnatal bodies. Lorena Savvidou is a certified Pilates and Barre instructor, Level 3 Personal Trainer, and holds specialist qualifications in ante- and postnatal exercise. As a mother herself, she knows what your body is going through. She adapts every movement to where you are in your recovery.

What Actually Happens in Class

Here is a typical session so you know exactly what to expect:

Before class (5 minutes)

Arrive a few minutes early. Get your baby settled in your carrier. If you need help adjusting the fit, just ask. Chat with the other mums. Take a breath.

Warm-up (5 minutes)

Gentle swaying, shoulder rolls, and easy footwork to get your body moving. This is where your baby usually settles into the rhythm and gets comfortable.

The main session (15–20 minutes)

This is the fun part. Latin-inspired music, pop tracks, and simple choreography that builds as you go. Lorena demonstrates everything clearly and offers easier options if you need them. You will move your hips, step side to side, and use your arms (gently — your baby is right there). Your heart rate goes up. You smile. You might even laugh.

Cooldown and stretch (5 minutes)

Standing and seated stretches to release your shoulders, hips, and lower back. Carrying a baby all day creates a lot of tension in these areas, so this part of class is genuinely therapeutic.

After class

Stay for a chat if you like. Many of our mums grab a coffee together afterwards. There is something really special about being in a room full of people who understand exactly where you are in life right now.

Who Is This Class For?

• New mums from about 6 weeks postnatal (after your GP or midwife has given you the all-clear). If you had a caesarean, we recommend waiting until at least 10–12 weeks and checking with your healthcare provider first.

  
  

• Babies from about 6 weeks to pre-walkers. Once your little one is confidently walking, they tend to want to be down on the floor exploring rather than in a carrier. At that point, our Strong Mama & Babies/Toddlers class is the perfect next step — your toddler can play safely on the studio floor while you work out.

  
  

• Complete beginners. You do not need any dance experience. You do not need to be coordinated. You just need to be willing to move and have a bit of fun.

  
  

• Mums who miss moving. If you used to love going to fitness classes before your baby arrived and you have been craving that feeling again, this is your way back in.

When and Where

Day: Every Thursday

Time: 11:00 AM

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: Copperfield Street, Southwark, SE1

Getting here:

• From London Bridge: 10 minutes on foot down Borough High Street.

• From Waterloo: 12 minutes walking via Westminster Bridge Road.

• From Borough or Southwark Tube: 5 to 8 minutes.

What to bring:

• Your baby in a sling or structured carrier (front-facing inward is best)

• A bottle of water for you

• Comfortable clothes and trainers or supportive shoes

• A muslin or small blanket for baby, just in case

• Anything your baby might need (nappies, a spare outfit, a dummy)

What we provide:

• A clean, warm, sprung-floor studio

• A welcoming instructor who understands postnatal bodies

• A changing area if you need it

What Our Mums Say

"I was so nervous about my first class, but within five minutes I completely forgot I was exercising. The music was amazing and my daughter fell asleep after two songs."

"This is the only hour in my week that feels completely mine, even though my baby is literally strapped to me."

(If you'd like to share your experience, we would love to hear from you.)

Also at The London Academy of Dance

If you enjoy Baby-Wearing Dance Fitness, you might also love:

• Mama & Baby Pilates — Gentle, core-focused Pilates with your baby beside you on the mat. Thursdays at 11:00 AM.

• Strong Mama & Babies/Toddlers — A full-body workout while your older baby or toddler plays nearby. Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:15 AM.

• Postnatal Fitness guide — Our honest guide to returning to exercise after having a baby.

  
  

We also run Pilates, Barre, and Zumba classes throughout the week if you ever want a session just for you.

Ready to Dance With Your Baby?

We would genuinely love to meet you and your little one. No experience needed, no judgement, no pressure. Just a room full of music and mums who understand.

Book your Thursday 11 AM class here.

Or read more about all of our pre and postnatal classes in Southwark.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How old does my baby need to be for baby-wearing dance fitness?

We recommend babies from around 6 weeks old, once you have had your postnatal check-up and been given the all-clear to exercise. If you had a caesarean birth, we suggest waiting until 10 to 12 weeks and checking with your GP or midwife first.

What type of baby carrier do I need?

You can use any well-fitted sling or structured carrier that keeps your baby secure against your chest facing inward. Stretchy wraps, woven wraps, and buckle carriers all work well. If you are unsure whether your carrier is suitable, our instructor can check the fit before class.

Will the movement wake my baby up?

Most babies actually find the rhythmic movement soothing. Many of them fall asleep during class. The music is upbeat but not excessively loud, and the movements are smooth rather than bouncy or jarring.

Do I need any dance experience?

Not at all. The choreography is simple, repetitive, and easy to follow. Our instructor demonstrates everything clearly, and nobody is watching your footwork. This class is about feeling good, not performing.

Is it a proper workout or just gentle movement?

It is a proper workout. You will raise your heart rate, work your legs and core, and feel it the next day. But it is designed to be safe for postnatal bodies, so there is no jumping, no high-impact movements, and no pressure to push beyond what feels comfortable.