After graduating and spending 10 years teaching ballet, modern, and tap, Avril Hitman was looking for a new challenge. Inspired by a session with and mentorship from Wolfgang Stange, founder of AMICI, Avril began working with various groups of people with learning disabilities in social service centres, community venues, and special schools.
She was moved by the open honesty of the individuals she worked with—an experience that deeply resonated with her. Motivated to explore this further, Avril founded a small group of 10 adult dancers at the Astley Day Centre in Bromley. She began leading 45-minute creative dance sessions each week for adults with learning disabilities, all of whom were new to dance. For the first seven years, she worked largely alone, supported by two dedicated volunteers, exploring movement concepts and encouraging creative expression.
The aim from the outset was to encourage all people, regardless of their ability, to take a full and integrated part in the artistic life of the community. At the time there was very little creative arts activity for people of any age with learning disabilities in which to participate, let alone perform.
“Avril Hitman has shone a light on learning disability through her visionary creativity and determination that dance be open to all.” Magpie Dance parent
Following a successful first residency with the London Contemporary Dance Trust in 1992, Avril then secured a £40,000 grant for one year to kick-start Magpie Dance’s work. In 1996, Magpie Dance was established as a Company Limited by Guarantee and in 1997, it became a registered charity.
Avril’s unwavering dedication to Magpie Dance and to the continued development of inclusive dance, the community and dance industry was recognised through several awards; Avril was awarded with a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2017 New Year Honours List. Avril was shortlisted for a Lifetime Achievers Awards with One Dance UK and won the prestigious Lifetime Achievers award at the National Diversity Awards 2017. Read her interview at The National Diversity Awards.
Since retiring in 2017, Avril remains a vital part of the Magpie Dance family as an honorary patron.
We create and provide high quality artistic experiences.
Performances are integral to the work we do. See us in action.
Every session is accompanied by dynamic, live music (percussion or keyboard) and varies from 1.5 to 2 hours long.
Our facilitators have extensive experience of working with young people and adults with learning disabilities as well as having highly successful careers as professional dancers, choreographers and teachers. Our team of dance professionals, musicians and volunteers have been key to the popularity and success of Magpie Dance.
