Mentoring Programme

Our ground-breaking mentoring programme supports dancers with learning disabilities to choreograph their own work for public performance. To date, five adult Magpie dancers have participated in Magpie’s mentoring scheme.

At the end of 2009, Zoe Pearce successfully created her own choreographic piece entitled 'Heaven' which was created in response to the death of her mother who passed away 7 years ago. In the piece she explored feelings about her loss. A piece with 4 learning disabled dancers (including Zoe), it was premiered at the Magpie sharing on the 24th March 2010 to a sold-out house and rapturous applause. David Nurse, Choreographic Mentor, helped to clarify themes and ideas and which dancers Zoe wanted to work with.

David Nurse commented:

"Really excellent work drawing out the meaning and refining Zoe's ideas, without changing the movements and taking the dancers with her rather than being dictorial"

Previous mentoring performance pieces have included 'Reflections' (2003) by Linda McCarthy, 'Winds of Change' (2003) by Karen Grandison, 'Peter's Hands' (2005) by Peter Taylor, 'Pathways' (2006) by Linda McCarthy and Karen Grandison, 'Passion' (2009) by Hugh Willoughby and 'Acquaintance' (2009) by Kate Rosie. David Smith is the next Magpie dancer currently embarking on this exciting choreographic scheme.

As far as we know, Magpie Dance is the only company enabling people with learning disabilities to choreograph work for non-disabled dancers in the UK.

If you would like to help fund this inspiring scheme, please contact Jo Easingwood by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for details.