Local flavour in Polkadots

THE POLKADOTS: Stars of The Polkadots show from left: Carly Tata, Lincoln Reid, Desiree Reid, Sarah Midgley and Dionne Shaw.

Relevant offers

Northland

Power restored north of Whangarei Falls water leaves rash Thundercats silenced by calm seas Angel Flight heaven-sent Cameras capture garden vandals at work Old bones take shape Field days organisers expect record turnout Young poet says it all Shirley takes home trophy Weather sees farmers holding stock

The Polkadots performance in Dargaville last week saw little tykes going dotty for the shows five energetic troupers.

The professionally polished band stars local talent and mother of two Sarah Midgley from Omamari.

Mrs Midgley says it was her first opportunity to share the Polkadots with local fans and she feels it was quite successful.

"We’re just real and all mothers and we want to encourage other mums to have fun educational opportunites with their children."

It all began with four young mothers – best friends with a passion for singing and dancing, wanted to make learning for their preschoolers a really fun but constructive experience.

Polkadots creator Carly Tata graduated from the Auckland College of Education with a degree in early childhood education before working in Auckland centres and overseas.

After returning to New Zealand and with the support of her sister Dionne Shaw, sister-in-law Desiree Reid and lifelong friend Sarah Midgley, she formed The Polkadots to provide educational entertainment "by the
mums for the mums".

Mrs Midgley says she tests all their songs on daughters Caydence, 4, and Camryn, 2, and if they don’t like them, "it’s back to the drawing board".

They hope to help parents and children have fun and "learn to love learning together".

Recent appearances throughout the country and on the Good Morning Show have brought great reviews from parents and grandparents of children throughout New Zealand who are thoroughly enjoying the Polkadots’ original music and choreography.

And their influence is spreading with the launch of their website www.freepolkadots
music.com with group members saying the international response has been exciting.

Polkadots programmes and music are used by children all around the world including Ireland, Hong Kong, United States and South Africa.

The Polkadots are inviting everyone to go to the free downloads site and then to invite their friends all over the world to download as well.

"Wouldn’t it be great if everyone helped us and we could cover the world with Polkadots," says Mrs Midgley.

- © Fairfax NZ News