Unusual Rigging sponsors leading dance charity's summer school

24th July 2019

A week-long summer school run by the UK’s leading inclusive dance charity Magpie Dance, at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley, has provided the opportunity for children and young people with learning disabilities to develop their creative dance skills, thanks to a donation from Unusual Rigging.

Magpie Dance was founded in 1985 by Avril Hitman BEM as a way of including, rather than excluding people because of their disability. Since its inception, the group has grown from 45-minute sessions once a week to thirteen sessions per week plus outreach workshops, enabling over 300 people to access regular dance activity sessions each year.

Alan Jacobi, managing director of Unusual Rigging commented: “We are delighted to have sponsored Magpie Dance’s summer school this year, to give children and young people the opportunity to access an activity which provides such enjoyment. Just as importantly, it helps build on important skills – communication, confidence building and improving self-esteem. The arts should be accessible to every group of society – regardless of age, social status or ability.”

Laura Graham, general manager of Magpie Dance said “We want to encourage young people to realise that a learning disability should not be a barrier to personal and artistic success in dance. Our mission is to enable all our participants to reach their full potential through dance and to challenge other people’s perceptions of what people with learning disabilities can achieve.  We rely on generous donations from our supporters to keep our much-needed programmes going and we are incredibly grateful to Unusual Rigging – a leading name in the world of theatre and entertainment – for their backing in making these summer classes happen, where our children and young people dance, keep fit and have fun!”

Magpie Dance relies on donations and sponsorship in order to be able to continue offering dance sessions and events like the summer school. Unusual’s sponsorship has helped fund the hire of the rehearsal rooms, musicians and expenses of all volunteers. To donate or enquire about sponsorship, contact Laura Graham lauragraham@magpiedance.org.uk