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Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
It's never too late to get the dance floor pumping
Irene Davidson has taken up an unlikely vocation for a 68-year-old and has started DJing. "There can't be too many people around at my age that are just starting to do DJing," she said. Mrs Davidson, who goes by the name DJ Reeny, has done a set at a few spots around Southland this year. She said does not do it for the money, but because she loves to dance. "I absolutely enjoy doing it and love dancing basically and love seeing other people get up and dance and enjoy it, feet tapping and that sort of thing." Based in Wyndham, Mrs Davidson thought there was gap in the market for dance music playing at local venues. As a self-professed raver, she did not do well with country music, preferring something with more of a beat that she could dance to freely. "Just one line, dancing to Achy Breaky Heart ... and that's enough for me. I love ... just doing my own thing." She has a playlist featuring disco as well as popular tunes from the '70s, '80s and '90s. She does not mix, as the technology is beyond her, but she likes to read the room, switching it up depending on the response from the dance floor. On Saturday night when she was playing a set for an engagement party, the clientele were in their 30s, they came over and asked for something "more jivey". Mrs Davidson then "put on 2000s ones" that were a more "risque". It was the Mataura RSA that launched her new career, which she was grateful for. She had DJed there about four times now, with varying results. The RSA crowd were a small but loyal group, who originally were reluctant to get on their feet, she said. After going over and asking them what music they would prefer, a few got up and danced, but they seemed to prefer singing along, karaoke-style, she said. "Which I don't really mind because it's still them being happy," she said. Mrs Davidson was unsure for how much longer she can continue performing for as nightlife numbers had dwindled since Covid-19 and venues around Southland were struggling. After performing a set at an Invercargill club last week, she said the drop in dancers had been striking. The club had been forced to cut staff and were not able to pay entertainment the same as they used to. Post-pandemic combined with the cost-of-living crisis had made it less likely people would leave their homes for a good time, she said. "People just haven't got the money, and I think it's because, when Covid [happened], everyone realised that they could stay at home and have a good time, and it was a hell of a lot cheaper," she said. DJing at home was how Mrs Davidson discovered her passion. As a solo mum, once her son was 18, they both started inviting their friends to the house at similar times, with both generations queueing up their music. "We had such good times," she said. Now she was still looking to dance, whether it was her DJing or someone else, she did not want the experience to disappear in the South. "If I couldn't get down on the floor and dance, I don't know," she said.
Time Business News
28-06-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Why This Play School Franchise Has India's Best Preschool
As early childhood education gains national focus, Bachpan Play School has positioned itself as a significant player in both the education and franchise sectors. Over the last two decades, this leading preschool chain has grown steadily across India, introducing a franchise model that appeals to aspiring entrepreneurs. What differentiates its model from others in the growing preschool franchise space? 'The idea was never just to expand,' says Ajay Gupta, CEO of Bachpan. 'It was to empower and build a system that supports local business owners in delivering early education to both urban and local areas, that's both accessible and consistent.' Mr. Ajay Gupta, Founder and CEO of Bachpan Play Schools with teachers and students of Bachpan Play School. The franchise structure is designed to keep initial costs manageable, with some franchisees reporting faster ROI cycles compared to other education-based ventures. Its operational model spans Tier I to Tier III cities, where demand for preschool education varies widely. For local entrepreneurs, this might be an opportunity to lead as a head, with full support and guidance from the franchise model of their central team. While for others, this model has become a pathway into the education space, particularly in regions where branded preschools are still emerging. Post-pandemic, the world saw a huge shift in the market industry, which started focusing attention towards businesses that are more flexible and meaningful. Recent investments in branding and digital upgrades have aligned with a large number of opportunists and entrepreneurs. The release of NEP 2020 brought renewed attention to foundational learning — a space where Bachpan has seen notable growth. A strong emphasis on foundational learning and early childhood care amplified public interest in private preschool education. Bachpan's widespread presence across urban and rural markets with over 1,200 branches, has helped establish a structured system that includes assistance with setup, staffing, and training. Franchisees benefit from their ongoing teacher development programs and curriculum support, designed to maintain consistency and quality across centers. The integration of educational technology such as robotics kits, smart books, and AI-based learning tools, reflects the brand's push toward innovation. In a country where early education continues to evolve, models like Bachpan offer insight into how private players are contributing to structured preschool access across diverse regions. With a mix of entrepreneurial opportunity and institutional support, such models are becoming a significant part of the broader educational landscape. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
