'If someone wants to dance with me then I will dance with them' (From News Shopper)

'If someone wants to dance with me then I will dance with them'

11:59am Wednesday 15th April 2009 in

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AFTER spending seven years helping a charity develop the talents of dancers with learning disabilities, a professional choreographer admits he has no plans to leave.

News Shopper’s Help Magpie Fly campaign is helping Magpie Dance secure £100,000 so it can go on helping people from around south-east London and north Kent.

The director of the charity’s Youth Group, David Nurse, says large sections of the community rely on Magpie despite the charity receiving no regular funding.

The 43-year-old said: “Our lack of regular funding makes it difficult for us to plan ahead and get things sorted in advance.

“A lot of people rely heavily on the work we do at Magpie. The fact we might not be there for them in the future can be a big deal for parents and carers.

“We have a really brilliant time with our dancers and because of that we can see individuals develop confidence and learn to express themselves.

“Most of the time it is not difficult teaching our dancers at all. They are all fantastic individuals."

He added: “Of course you get the more challenging dancers who need a bit more support but seeing them develop can be the most rewarding of all.”

Youth Group director

David, who lives in Essex, began his career as an 18-year-old at the Essex Dance Theatre and after a spell as a professional dancer, he began composing work which was shown off around the world.

In 2003, David became the director of the newly founded Magpie Dance Youth Group.

He is also involved in Magpie's ground-breaking mentoring programme which has supported five dancers with learning disabilities to choreograph their own work for public performance.

David, who is a mentor to members of the Adult Performance Group, said: “I had worked with special needs dancers before and working with Magpie was a great opportunity to continue that.

“My motto has always been, if someone wants to dance with me then I will dance with them.

“As long as they will have me I have no plans to leave.”

How to donate

Our Help Magpie Fly campaign is hoping to raise £100,000 to help Magpie Dance keep supporting 150 keen dancers with learning disabilities.

Every little helps and every penny raised will go to Magpie so the charity can continue its valuable community service.

Send your donations to Help Magpie Fly, News Shopper, Mega House, Crest View Drive, Petts Wood, BR5 1BT.

Cheques should be made payable to Magpie Dance.

If you want more details about the charity or want to volunteer call 020 8290 6633 or visit magpiedance.org.uk.

Thanks to Mr B Denny, M Smith, Mr VL Neate and Mrs PM Neate, Mrs PE Martin, Mr C Storey and Mrs EM Storey, Mrs DJ Tricker, Mr JW Barnes, Mrs D Arnold, Miss KD Naylor, Mrs J Parker, Mr RW Allen and Mrs L Allen, Mr AB Dixon and Mrs JE Dixon, Mrs Karen McNally, AJ Jefferson and PA Jefferson, Mrs K Taylor, PJ Styant, Miss I Smith, the Rotary Club of Langley Park, Matthew J Lees, Mrs RA Bradford, Mr and Mrs Allard, Mrs D Flatman, Mrs GL Jubb, MG Smith, Mr MJ Taylor and Mrs RD Taylor and BLF Faulkner, Mr KJ Gregory and Miss BM Price, Italia Conti Chislehurst dance school, Miss HM Lawrenson and the Rosie family, C and M Andrews and Mrs MF Davy who have already contributed to help secure Magpie’s future.