About West End Wigglers
Our Story
A Baby and Toddler group with a difference.
Incorporating movement, sensory play and story telling with music from musicals, TV, film and stage, as well as the old classics.
Hi! I’m Jo, and I am the creator and main class leader for West End Wigglers.
I grew up in Burgess Hill and after many years living and performing in London have returned to the area to raise my two beautiful (and slightly sassy) young girls.
West End Wigglers was born from a brainwave I had many years ago about incorporating my love of Musical Theatre into a baby/toddler group setting. It wasn’t until I had children of my own and after attending many baby groups with my first born, listening to the same nursery rhymes every week, that I realised there was definitely space for this idea.
Don’t get me wrong, I still know importance of those well loved, well known songs and rhymes. They are still very much used in my classes. However, I wanted to create something a little different. Something a parent or carer attending the class might also enjoy too!
After many a sleepless night and not much time for yourself, I appreciated the importance of trying to carve out a little ‘me time’ in those early years of parenting and having something to enjoy yourself alongside your children.
I finally took the bull by the horns in June 2021 during the second year of lockdown and after my second child had been born. Due to Covid, she hadn’t been to a single baby class and had barely met another child her age.
As there wasn’t much in the way of groups running, despite rules relaxing and allowing them to resume, I took the opportunity to start my own.
I started with two groups of limited numbers, which quickly turned to three as interest grew. By the summer, three groups had turned to four, and two more groups started in Burgess Hill.
By Jan 2022 a third venue was added, meaning in the first year of Wigglers running we have expanded to eight groups running between Haywards Heath, Hassocks and Burgess Hill as well as incorporating other events into our calendar, such as birthday parties, festive concerts at Easter and Christmas and even something just for the adults with singalong cocktail nights.
We have great plans to keep growing West End Wigglers and providing something for everyone to enjoy, child and adult alike.
- Jo Loxton -
OUR MISSION
Our Philosophy
At West End Wigglers, we believe in the profound importance of nurturing the musical souls of our youngest members, babies and toddlers alike. Our philosophy is rooted in the idea that music is not just a collection of sounds; it is a universal language that can shape a child’s development in countless ways. Here is our manifesto, outlining our aspirations and commitments:
1. Every Child Is Musical: We firmly believe that every child is born with an innate sense of music. Our mission is to foster and amplify this natural musicality by providing a welcoming space for exploration.
2. Inclusivity and Diversity: Our group is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, backgrounds, and abilities. We celebrate diversity and promote an environment where every child and caregiver feels valued and respected.
3. Connection Through Music: Music is a powerful medium for forging bonds between caregivers and their little ones. We encourage active participation, ensuring that our sessions become a shared musical journey.
4. Creative Expression: We cherish the moments when children express themselves through music. We encourage improvisation, movement, and experimentation, allowing young minds to explore their creativity.
5. Developmental Milestones: Our music group supports holistic development. We create activities that stimulate cognitive, physical, emotional, and social growth, all while having fun.
6. Joyful Learning: Our sessions are designed to be engaging and enjoyable. We believe that learning is most effective when it’s fun, and we aim to instill a lifelong love of music in every child.
7. Lifelong Appreciation: Beyond early childhood, we hope to lay the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of music. We believe that a strong musical start can lead to a lifelong passion.
8. Community Building: We are more than just a music group; we are a community. We encourage caregivers to connect, share experiences, and build supportive relationships.
9. Adaptability: We understand that every child is unique. Our sessions are flexible and responsive to the needs and interests of the group, ensuring that every child can benefit.
10. Continued Exploration: Our journey doesn’t end with the toddler years. We offer pathways for older children to continue their musical exploration, nurturing a love for music throughout childhood.
In our music group, we aspire to be a source of joy, growth, and connection. Together, we celebrate the magical world of music, and we look forward to witnessing the beautiful melodies that each child brings into our lives.
Let the music play, and let our hearts sing.
What we offer
BABY & ToDDLER GROUPS
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
CONCERTS
MEET OUR TEACHER
Jo Loxton
Jo studied at the BRIT school of Performing Arts followed by The Guildford School of Acting before embarking on a career in the West End. Credits include Phantom of the Opera, The Original production of Marguerite, Les Miserables (25th anniversary tour production, Dance Captain in the original West end production) and Dear World directed by Gillian Lynne.
Aside from performing, Jo has taught singing and voice for several years and holds a Masters degree in the practice of Voice and Singing in which she received a distinction. She has performed in many concerts including the 25th anniversary concert of both Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall, Les Miserables at the O2, Les Miserables 30th Anniversary film and her voice can be heard on several cast recordings.
More importantly, she’s also a Mummy – which lets face it, is the most important credit of them all.
OTHER WIGGLER PERFORMERS
Here are some of the other faces that are part of the West End Wigglers family.
Gemma Hawkins
Musical Director: Moulin Rouge (current), Mary Poppins, The Snowman, The Bridges of Madison County Musical, Fiddler on the Roof
- Easter Concert 2023
- Christmas Concert 2022
- Summer Cabaret
- Easter Concert 2022
Claire Parish
Mary Poppins, Miss Saigon, Oliver!, Rocky Horror Show, Les Miserables, Blood Brothers, Cats
- Easter Concert 2023
- Christmas Concert 2022
- Easter Concert 2022
Grace Rollings
Sound of Music, Lost Boy, The A-Z of Musical Theatre, Sister Act, Jekyll and Hyde
- Easter Concert 2023
- Christmas Concert 2022
- Easter Concert 2022
- Cover Teaching
Mark Hill
Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat, Chess, A Christmas Carol
- Christmas Concert 2022
Paul Wilkins
Les Misérables (West End & International tour), The Dreamers, Hair, Lady M
- Easter Concert 2022
Shaun Morton
Tech guy, web designer and Jo's long suffering husband.
Music, Movement & Sensory Classes
