March 2009

With increasing economic uncertainty comes a nationwide tightening of the purse strings, and as a result, charitable giving – in the spotlight this month as part of Comic Relief’s annual campaign – is one area that’s currently feeling the pinch. Finding a fresh approach to fundraising has never been so important, and this year dance is to play a key role across a wide-ranging programme of charitable events. The BBC’s “Let’s Dance for Comic Relief” is already in full swing, pitching various celebrities against each other in order to raise funds via public votes, and for those who want to get in on the action there’s the chance to Dance Something Funny for Money for the same cause. Breast Cancer Campaign has set a range of very achievable monetary targets as part of its Dancing Club Challenge, while Marie Curie Cancer Care is inviting groups to hold a sponsored Daffodil Dance, details of which can be found on the news pages. Our cover stars this month, Andrew Cuerden and Hanna Haarala, did their bit for charity in a “Strictly” style competition at The Railway Ball, an annual event held to raise money for Railway Children (page 20), and if you’ve been inspired to get involved in something similar – whatever the scale – don’t forget to send us your photographs and letters, and tell us your story of how dance can make a difference.

Katie Gregory