Children across Nottinghamshire are discovering the joy of movement through Making Moves, playful early-years dance sessions facilitated by artist Tina Carter and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. These sessions form part of our community wellbeing project, Reaching For the Stars which has been taking place in Nottingham, Mansfield and Derbyshire.

Taking inspiration from the seasons of the year, the sessions invite young children and their families to explore movement, music and imagination in welcoming community spaces across the region. The programme currently takes place at:

Mansfield Central Library in Mansfield
Stonebridge Farm in St Ann’s
Arkwright Community Gardens in the Meadows, Nottingham

Each location offers a unique environment for creativity and connection — from the calm library space in Mansfield to the outdoor inspiration of community gardens and farms.

Exploring the Seasons Through Dance

The sessions are designed especially for babies, toddlers and preschool children. Using storytelling, music and playful movement, children explore the changing seasons.

They might:

flutter like leaves in autumn
stretch like growing plants in spring
sparkle like snowflakes in winter
move freely like sunshine and butterflies in summer

Through dance, children are encouraged to use their imagination and respond to music in their own way. There are no right or wrong movements, just opportunities to explore rhythm, space and expression together.

Why Movement Matters in Early Childhood

Dance and music are powerful tools for early childhood development. When young children move to music, multiple areas of the brain become active at once, supporting coordination, memory and creativity.

Research shows that dance activities can strengthen motor skills, balance and coordination, helping children gain confidence in how their bodies move in space.

At the same time, group dance activities help children develop social skills, communication and confidence, encouraging them to interact with others and share experiences through movement.

Music and rhythm also support language development and early learning by strengthening listening skills, pattern recognition and attention.

In short, movement and music give young children a full-brain learning experience.

What Happens in a Making Moves Session?

A typical session is relaxed, welcoming and full of energy.

Children and their grown-ups gather together in a circle as Tina introduces the theme of the day. Music begins to play and the group gently warms up with simple movements, clapping and rhythm games.

Activities might include:

dancing with scarves and colourful props
moving like animals or elements from nature
exploring rhythm through clapping and stepping patterns
singing simple songs together
imaginative storytelling through movement

Parents and carers take part alongside the children, creating a shared experience that strengthens bonds and encourages confidence.

Community Spaces for Families

The sessions are not only about dance, they are also about community.

Hosting the project in welcoming neighbourhood venues like libraries, farms and community gardens allows families to meet others in their area, spend time outdoors or in creative spaces, and build connections with local organisations.

For many families, these sessions become a regular moment in the week where children can move freely, make friends and feel part of something special.

Creativity, Confidence and Joy

Early childhood is a time when curiosity and imagination are at their strongest. Projects like Making Moves nurture these qualities by giving children space to explore movement, music and creativity in a supportive environment.

Through rhythm, dance and playful storytelling, children begin to develop confidence in their bodies and their ideas — foundations that support learning, wellbeing and creativity for years to come.

Thanks to support from The National Lottery Community Fund, these joyful sessions are helping young children and families across Mansfield and Nottingham discover the magic of moving together.

And sometimes, all it takes is a little music and a bit of space to dance.