Magpie Dance is the UK’s leading dance charity for people with learning disabilities. We have been delivering regular classes, training, workshops, and public performances for people with learning disabilities in Bromley and the South East for almost 40 years. Our mission is to enable people with learning disabilities to reach their full personal, social, and artistic potential through dance.

“Magpie Dance has been supporting my son for 16 years, playing a huge part in developing his confidence, creativity and dance skills, and providing opportunities for him to help others as well as to make friends. I truly believe that Magpie Dance has made the biggest impact in his life to [help him] become the confident young man he is.”

Parent

Alongside our weekly programme, we deliver a range of workshops, trips, and projects to broaden participants’ experiences, including with specialist partners such as the Royal Opera House and the Horniman Museum. Participants stage regular performances and national tours, many in high-profile venues such as Sadler’s Wells and the Southbank Centre. Across all classes, workshops, and events, we benefit 1,200 participants every year.

Our participants are at the heart of everything that we do and involved in every aspect of our activity. Dancers are empowered to generate ideas, create their own work, and make keycreative decisions on how work is shared. They are given leading responsibilities in classes and sessions, and our learning-disabled Ambassadors deliver paid teaching and training, supporting skills and career progression for those otherwise marginalised in the dance sector.

“I always like it when we make work. Magpie staff let me be who I am. With other companies, I don’t get to do that.” Participant