It was months and months in the planning but the hard work and attention to detail paid off for the franchisees who have just returned from the ‘DreamEscape’ trip in Dubai. Organised to help them step away from the ordinary in an incredible setting where they would learn the tools to further their personal and professional growth, the retreat provided a balance of valuable insights and unforgettable experiences.
Dubai was chosen for its vibrant energy, thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and forward thinking approach to education, making it the perfect city in which Razzamataz Theatre Schools franchisees could immerse themselves in personal development workshops, learn valuable business strategies and return reenergised and inspired to elevate their schools in the UK, ultimately providing their students with even more opportunities to succeed.
The trip was organised and led by Denise Gosney, the Managing Director and Founder of Razzamataz, alongside Operations Director Matty Rayson, Business Coach Hayley Limpkin, and Creative Director Emily Connor. Matty, a dedicated franchisee and valuable member of the Head Office team, began his Razzamataz journey at just 16 years old as part of a work placement and has since grown into a key figure within the business. Both Hayley and Emily bring over 12 years of experience as former franchisees of Razzamataz Medway and now use their expertise to support and train other franchisees, helping them achieve the same success and fulfilment they experienced.
“This retreat has allowed leaders within Razzamataz to recognise their own emotional landscape, looking at surface-level behaviours and digging into deeper beliefs, emotions, and identities,” explains Hayley. “From here, they can continue the curiosity about what lies beyond their autopilot version of leadership. It takes courage to do this, and it’s been a real honour to guide these wonderful leaders.”
The week featured a variety of activities, including visits to iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Opera House as well as relaxing at a luxury rooftop lounge at Cloud 22, offering stunning views of the Dubai skyline. Franchisees also explored Old Dubai, enjoyed a Dhow Cruise along Dubai Creek, and experienced the breathtaking desert landscape with Jeep rides, dune bashing, and a traditional BBQ dinner under the stars.
“Our goal was to provide a balance of professional insights, personal growth opportunities, and unforgettable experiences,” says Founder Denise. “The franchisees returned energised, connected, and ready to apply what they’ve learned to grow their schools and positively impact their communities. We have also met so many wonderful people and school leaders in Dubai and we are excited to be embarking on the next stage of Razzamataz’s growth, with international expansion.”
With plans to open the first Razzamataz school in Dubai in 2025, this retreat served as a powerful platform for the network’s expansion, bringing the multi-award-winning brand closer to its vision of inspiring young people through performing arts on a global scale. As part of the trip, the Head Office team were invited to participate at the Leaders in Education Conference, sharing their 25 years’ experience in performing arts education, inspiring other leaders on the positive impact it can have on young people by sharing one of the student’s lived experience about building resilience through the arts.
Through the success of the trip, Razzamataz have forged exciting connections with schools interested in collaborating to deliver exceptional performing arts education and the team is currently on the lookout for talented teachers to join the Razzamataz team in Dubai.
Next year, Razzamataz will be celebrating its 25th anniversary at the Eiffel Tower in Paris and is exceptionally proud to have positively impacted the lives of young people through performing arts. With decades of experience, now is an exciting time to join the multi-award-winning brand either in the UK or the UAE.