Well what a rollercoaster of a year it has been for all! It’s safe to say that Magpie Dance never expected their 35th Anniversary year to be like this.
We never imagined that we would be facing so many obstacles in such a short space of time, but we are just so thankful that we have been able to keep going strong!
Remarkably, we are lucky to say that this year has had many highlights. From our incredible guest artists that worked with us before the pandemic, to the success of our Virtually Magpie programme, two fun Holiday Schools and much more!
We are so grateful to have had the pleasure of finishing the year on a high. In the last week of term we had visits from two incredible guest artists from the Royal Ballet – David Pickering and Federico Bonelli. Both of these well known and highly regarded principal dancers visited our Magpie Adult sessions. David taught us some beautiful repertoire from Swan Lake. All of the dancers loved the opportunity to get into character and become a swan. Federico came to our Dancer Development Course session and discussed all things ballet in an interactive Q&A via Zoom. Our dancers picked his brains and got to know what being a ballet dancer is all about!
These amazing visits were followed up by our long awaited 35th Anniversary performance party, ‘Don’t Stop Us Now!’. Although we had hoped that our 35th Anniversary party would be an in person event, circumstances meant that this could not happen. The prospect of holding a huge party for approximately 200 people via Zoom was a little scary, but we are thrilled to have pulled it off! Although we couldn’t physically be with our dancers, supporters, staff and all those who make Magpie special, it was an absolute pleasure to party with them through a screen and finish 2020 on a high.
The Magpie Dance team would like to extend a huge thank you to all who have kept us going this year. A special thanks to all those who have supported us through their continued hard work and dedication; outstanding fundraising efforts and kind donations; spreading the word and publicity; volunteering and moral support. A huge congratulations to our dancers who have stayed dedicated and focused this year!
We wish you all a wonderful festive period and a happy and healthy 2021.
Best wishes,
The Magpie Dance Team
