The incredibly Kathy talks to us about motherhood, community and the most unexpected place she’s busted a move.

Hi! My name is Kathy, I’ve got three boys aged 6, 4, and 3 months. In my head, I am also the undiscovered sixth member of the Spice Girls. My level of dance skills could be described as “unbridled enthusiastic”.

I’ve loved Shut Up and Dance for years. I used to regularly go to Tuesday night and Saturday morning classes and danced with the group at two Cuba Dupas and the Taranaki Festival of Lights. I love the fun of learning the routines, exercising without realising it, and the warm community that you become part of.

But, to be honest, it was hard to find time and energy to keep going to classes while I was working and pregnant with my third baby and running around after my other two boys. My body just wasn’t up to it. But I really missed feeling sparkly and energised from the classes, and I missed feeling like “me” as opposed to “mum”.

BYOB (Bring your own baby) has been the perfect solution to that. I’ve just done my first term of classes, starting when my youngest was about 6 weeks old. I turn up with whatever level of sleep deprivation I’ve been dealt, whatever mood the morning drop off has left, with baby spill on my shoulder, and I lose myself in 45 mins of positivity and fun. I particularly like that the classes are aimed at the parents, with the babies coming along for the ride. The classes are flexible and low key, with no worries if you need to stop for Baby Maintenance, no worries if your body needs to take things easy. The classes are small and personable and it’s nice to chat to the others afterwards with a cup of tea. And, most importantly, the classes have that SU&D magic energy which leaves me feeling great. A real highlight of my week!

Favourite SUAD routines

Lizzo’s Juice, Ariana Grande’s Yes, And?, Unholy by Sam Smith, Don’t Start Now by Dua Lipa,, Michael Sembello’s Maniac, Tina Turner’s Proud Mary, Survivor by Destiny’s Child, and all of the NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and 5ive routines.

What’s the most unexpected place you’ve busted out a dance move?

Queuing for a cheese scone.

What’s a totally mundane task that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together?

Freshly washed pyjamas not covered in baby sick

If your personality was a colour, what would it be and why?

Olive green - serious on the outside, but quite fun in the right setting.

Shut Up & Listen: Kathy