Contemporary dance charity Magpie Dance put on a spectacular show to mark the retirement of its founding artistic director. Find out how its diversity workshops can help your organisation to support learning-disabled employees.Relocate readers first engaged with Magpie Dance, the contemporary dance charity for people with learning disabilities, back in 2013, when its talented dancers performed at our charity networking party at The Penthouse London, in Leicester Square.Magpie’s diversity workshops are an innovative way for organisations to understand what they can do to support those in their organisation who have learning disabilities, and those who act for them. They are ideal for everyone from solicitors, others in the justice system and the police to companies that want to run an impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) project that will promote better understanding of diversity in the workplace.

Celebrating outstanding diversity work

In July, Magpie Dance hosted an event at the Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler’s Wells, to celebrate the outstanding work and achievements of its founding artistic director, Avril Hitman, BEM, during her 32 years with the organisation.The Magpie team, from the trustees and staff to the dancers and their families, mounted a surprise performance involving the whole company, in honour of Ms Hitman, who retired this summer. Over 250 guests came together to watch.

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More articles from the Autumn issue of our magazine:

• Assessing global education systems
• Family support and its relocation policy implications
• Championing dual careers: promoting successful assignments

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Avril Hitman, said, “I’m overwhelmed with the tribute you have given me. I’ve been so fortunate to have such an amazing team to work with. I know Magpie will go on and on and on, because you are all so passionate and have such strength.”

Diversity: how can your organisation get more involved?

Experience a taster dance workshop

We want to run a taster workshop for Relocate readers this autumn. Join a dance session, have fun, and understand more about how to support those with learning disabilities in your workplace or home community.Let us know if your organisation could host the workshop at your offices in London or Kent. Contact Vanessa McConnell, of the Relocate team, by calling +44 (0)1892 891334 or emailing vanessa@relocatemagazine.com

Help Magpie Dance grow the Highfliers company

Are you an HR professional who loves dance? Dance enthusiasts will be inspired by the work of Jemima Hoadley, director of Magpie’s Highfliers company. As a choreographer, a dancer and a dance leader, she has a special interest in working inclusively with both disabled and non-disabled artists.Find out how you, as an HR, talent or learning and development specialist, can get involved in growing the Inclusive Dance Practice training programme and encouraging Magpie’s graduate professional dancers.

Fancy yourselves as fundraisers?

Why not run a fundraising event at your company or make a donation? To book your own diversity dance workshop, support Highfliers or fundraise, contact Jessica Richards on 0208 290 6633. www.magpiedance.org.ukRead more about supporting your employees in the Autumn issue of our magazineFor related news and features, visit our HR section.Access hundreds of global services and suppliers in our Online Directory  Get access to our free Global Mobility Toolkit ^{© 2017. This article first appeared in the Autumn 2017 edition of Relocate magazine, published by Profile Locations, Spray Hill, Hastings Road, Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8JB. All rights reserved. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of Profile Locations. Profile Locations accepts no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any opinions expressed herein.}