Dance-athon fundraiser helps raise thousands for good causes

A Dance-athon hosted at Westlands Entertainment Venue that kept participants moving for a whole 24 hours has raised £3,064 for two local causes.

The Dance-athon was organised by James Bamford, local dancer and founder of Project Dance, and Adam Burgan, Arts & Entertainment Venues Manager. From 11am on Friday 17th February until 11am on the 18th, 24 hour-long dance classes were arranged for anyone to take part in, with the class fees and any sponsorship from participants being donated.

Dance classes included Bollywood, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, Contemporary, Zumba, Jazz, Line Dancing, Sh’Bam, Hip Hop, Cheerleading, Heels, Body Balance, Lyrical Jazz, Latin Fit and Ballet.

All funds raised through donations and class payments have been donated to The Foyer Club, earmarked towards the Octagon Theatre development to help it become a flagship cultural hub for Somerset, and also the Project Dance Young Bursary Fund.

Adam Burgan, Arts & Entertainment Venues Manager for The Octagon and Westlands, said: “At the end of 24 hours of dancing my legs, feet and back were aching but the experience was amazing and people coming together to take part was simply brilliant. Thank you to all the teachers and participants who supported the event and everyone who sponsored”.

James Bamford from Project Dance, added: “Having completed my first dance marathon in isolation during the covid pandemic, having the opportunity to tackle the feat once again, but this time in the company of some wonderful friends made the experience one I will never forget. I’m immensely grateful to everyone that supported the effort, whether through teaching, taking a class or sponsoring us.”

Thank you to everyone who danced, taught and donated to help raise this fantastic amount. Find out more about how the funds will help to develop The Octagon into a flagship cultural venue for Somerset and also about the work Project Dance does in the community, including their Young Dancer Bursary Fund.

Photo credit: Len Copland