CAMPAIGN: Let’s help Magpie arts charity keep on dancing (From News Shopper)

CAMPAIGN: Let’s help Magpie arts charity keep on dancing

10:55am Wednesday 4th February 2009 in Bromley

NEWS Shopper is launching its Help Magpie Fly campaign to help raise £100,000 for the charity so it can continue touching the lives of adults and young people with learning disabilities.

The six-figure sum is less than half of what the charity needs each year to keep classes and shows filled and to develop talent and confidence through the arts.

Magpie Dance already helps more than 150 keen dancers each year even though it receives no regular funding.

It welcomes people from all corners of south-east London and north Kent, including Bromley, Lewisham, Eltham, Sidcup and Dartford.

The charity’s artistic director, Avril Hitman, who founded the life-changing charity, says it needs around £250,000 every year to spread the huge benefits of dance.

Mrs Hitman added: “At Magpie Dance we focus on ability not disability.

“There are so many benefits which come from dancing. It helps towards self esteem and there are the benefits of physical activity.

“Giving people more confidence is important and you can really notice the difference in people who attend.”

She added: “This campaign is an exciting way to raise the profile of Magpie as well as money, which will inevitably benefit more people with learning disabilities.”

With only a few paid employees, Magpie’s survival depends on the voluntary help it receives from its supporters and volunteers.

Magpie is known for its work with dancers, specialist dance teachers, musicians, set, lighting and costume designers in classes, workshops and its popular performances.

Its ground-breaking mentoring programme has already supported five dancers with learning disabilities to choreograph their own work for public performances.

Chairwoman of Magpie Dance Julia Potts said: “Magpie is a small company which achieves great things. In order for it to continue to do so, funding is vital.

“We are funded entirely by project grants and voluntary donations and cannot work without such support.”