Harpenden People: Sue Wybrow

This week, we meet Sue Wybrow, a local mumpreneur. Last year Sue and her business partner, Stacey Smith, founded Popdance, a class offering adults the opportunity to learn dance routines to pop music within a fun and relaxed environment.

DB: Please tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

SW: I am a busy mum of two, married to my soul mate and have worked in market research, advertising, media and marketing for the last 20 years (wow, am I really that old?).  

DB: Where did the idea for Popdance come from?

SW: I cannot dance at all yet wanted to learn dance routines to 'Pop' music from the 80’s 90’s and modern day – something not too difficult but that gave me an hour of 'me' time away from the kids, my phone, my busy lifestyle and was fun to do.  I could not find a class that matched my needs.  I then met Stacey who luckily CAN dance and is a great teacher and choreographer and we set up Popdance together.

DB: How long have you run Popdance?

SW: Our first Popdance class began in January 2009 in St. Albans.  Due to demand we opened a further 3 in April, including Harpenden, with 7 more opening in September and October.  New classes are launching this January too.

DB: What do participants get out of the classes?

SW: I would say that most of our Popdancers get fun out of our class – a feeling of doing exercise but without realising it - it is not a chore to come to Popdance.  The music gives that feel good factor, the comradery of the class and the relaxed atmosphere make it a comfortable class to join in with.

DB: What’s your relationship with Harpenden?

SW: I have family who live in Harpenden so it is close to my heart.  I love the high street with all the hustle and bustle and the boutiquey shops as well as the warm and inviting pubs and bars.  Billy’s was always a favourite haunt of ours before we had the kids.  The Bell does great food too.

DB: What do you like about the town?

SW: Ooh, might have already answered this question, but I like the quaintness of Harpenden, the little unique shops, the fact that you will find something different there compared with larger towns.  It is always very pretty to drive through also.

DB: Are there any dislikes or frustrations about Harpenden you’d like to share?

SW: I guess a common dislike is the lack of parking – it is always a challenge even if you want to pop into a shop quickly.

DB: Give us one top tip in Harpenden?

SW: The Lilly Lounge is a great little tea shop at the top of town.  Great coffee, great cakes, lovely people.  A perfect place to meet up with friends or even to sit and read on your own.

And Big Space – I practically used to live there when the kids were small – always clean, friendly and I felt the kids were safe there.

DB: Outside of Podance, what other passions do you have?

SW: Writing is a real passion of mine.  I started a novel years ago and vow to finish it before I cark it!

DB: What ambitions do you have for the future?

SW: To spread the word of Popdance throughout the UK and then, who knows, internationally?!!!  Popdance is great fun for adults of all ages and gives us the opportunity to dance when we don’t think we can and in a friendly environment where we feel comfortable.  Everyone can dance!

Popdance takes place in Harpenden at The Leisure Centre in Rothamsted Park on Wednesday evenings from 8pm - 9pm.

Next time in our Harpenden People profile series, we'll meet Stacey Smith, the dancer in the Popdance duo.

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