Greg Rutherford champions 'Daddy Ballet' classes to spend quality time with his daughter

A gym chain has launched ballet classes - for dads only.

Olympic gold medalist Greg Rutherford was among the fathers who attended the David Lloyd Clubs, which is giving fathers the chance to put on their ballet pumps and master the pirouette, fouetté, and penché - spending time with their kids in the process.

The London 2012 long jump gold medalist, who took part in the class with his daughter Daphne, said: "I'm no stranger to dancing but having the chance to get involved with my daughter by my side has been really special.

"There's no quality time like it - neither of us are experts and we can learn together. For me, it's important to take a genuine interest in my kids' hobbies and David Lloyd Clubs allow this to happen with its Daddy Ballet classes.

"I encourage dads up and down the country to join me in dusting off the dancing shoes!"

The classes were launched after 73% of dads said they want to take their children to more classes and activities - but there is not enough time in the day.

Having to work late (36%), the family budget being too stretched (27%) and being distracted by social media on their phone (20%) were some of the main factors stopping dads spending more time with their child.

Martin Evans, chief commercial officer at David Lloyd Clubs, which is offering the classes to children and their dads, said: "There is a real appetite amongst dads to be more involved in their kids' day-to-day at activities at a younger age.

"But there are still barriers in the way to stop them doing this and a lack of information of how they can get more involved.

"Having time to bond with one another during activities is so important, especially once the kids are back at school, and something we prioritise at David Lloyd Clubs."

During a normal week, the typical father spends just over six hours of quality time with their kids. Sadly, for one in five dads, the amount of time they are spending with their children has dropped over the last year.

The research, by OnePoll, did find a sizeable 63% of dads were taking their children to activities or classes either weekly or daily. In fact, 36% of dads actively take part in their child's classes or activities often.

For dads, the best things about taking their children to classes was watching them learn new skills (52%), seeing their excitement (48%) and seeing a sense of accomplishment (35%).

Martin Evans added: "Ballet is not something which you typically associate dads doing with their kids, but we want to show them the playful nature of what's possible, launching these light-hearted fun classes for dads and kids to enjoy.

"The classes were originally inspired by heartwarming viral videos of dads dancing with their kids, and we saw this as an exciting opportunity to add this to our programme of family activities.

"We want to make sure parents and children are getting active together in a positive and energetic environment. Daddy Ballet classes do just that, and we can't wait to give them a 'twirl'!"