Matt Fiddes, longtime friend and former bodyguard to Michael Jackson, is set to open a new children’s dance school in Chard this spring. The MF Dance School will welcome children aged three to 15 starting Friday, March 6, expanding the reach of Fiddes’ growing dance empire across Somerset and nearby areas.
At 46, Fiddes already operates dance classes in Taunton, Weston-super-Mare, Bristol, Yate, and Wellington. The Chard location will further his mission to provide inclusive, creative spaces for young dancers.
Louisa, a teacher at MF Dance, explains the impact of street dance on children: “Street dance is such a powerful way for children to express themselves. It’s about more than just learning routines — it’s about building teamwork, discipline, friendships, and creating a place where every child feels they belong.”
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Matt Fiddes’ journey to this point has been remarkable. After facing bullying as a child, he turned to martial arts for self-defense and empowerment. By the age of 16, he opened his first martial arts school with just £100. By 18, he was running a multimillion-pound business.
Fiddes met Michael Jackson in 1998 and the two remained close friends until Jackson’s death in 2009. Unlike typical bodyguard roles, Fiddes was never paid for his time with the pop icon. In a recent interview with Rolling Out magazine, he recalled, “He would just call me and say, ‘I’m at the airport, Terminal 5 Heathrow. Pick me up and come hang out with me.’”
The MF Dance School team is committed to inclusivity and ensuring that every child, regardless of skill or background, has a chance to enjoy dance. Lisa, another MF Dance teacher, said, “Dance is about creativity, self-expression, and joy. It should be accessible to all children, not just those who fit a particular mold. Every child deserves the chance to dance, to feel the music, build friendships, step out of their comfort zone, and shine.”
Families interested in the new Chard classes can register online for free trial spots ahead of the March launch. Updates will also be shared on the MF Dance School’s Facebook page.