Yoga for children

kiddies@creche - the brainchild of Strictly star Kristina Rihanoff - pairs Eastern techniques of ‘mindfulness’ with traditional school holiday activities such as painting and drawing.

And it is already proving a hit with parents looking to inspire and entertain their youngsters over the long summer break.

Kristina, who recently launched Soo Yoga with her partner, the rugby star Ben Cohen, is a passionate believer in wellbeing for children.

She said: “Today’s kids are hyperactive. They are surrounded by TVs, mobile phones, iPads, and fast moving images.

“They study hard to pass exams, and there is peer group pressure to look or behave in a certain way.

“We, as parents, are responsible for teaching them to relax and take a bit of time for themselves. We will allow them to bond in a non-competitive atmosphere.

“Children in Asian countries learn this from the day they are born.”

Aimed squarely at youngsters from three months to 11 years old, kiddies@creche Summer Club guarantees action-packed days of dancing, yoga, crafts and other fun activities. All classes are age appropriate.

Sessions include Dancing Unicorns, Boogie Baby, Little Zen and Ballet Baby. Two classes with Kristina - one in the morning, the other in the afternoon - are included in the £30 daily, or £150 weekly, charge. A late finish option is available at £5 per hour.

Little tummies are also looked after, with £5 buying a healthy breakfast and lunch from the onsite SooGreens cafe. Alternatively, children can bring their own food.

“We bring a calmness and balance to their lives,” said Kristina. “They can learn to breathe, get any anger out and feel loved and respected.

“They have so much fun. If we ask them to imagine they are animals they are all soon leaping around like frogs!

“Parents tell us it is the best.”

kiddies@creche Summer Club runs for six weeks from July 22 at Soo Yoga in Sol Central.

Call 07807 771377 or email [email protected] for more information or to book a place.