Dance UK is calling for individual donations towards the establishment of The National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science, as part of The Big Give Christmas Challenge on Monday 6 December. Individuals who donate via the Big Give website on that day have the chance for their donation to be DOUBLED.

• A small donation will make a huge difference to dancers' health, our target is £4000. 
• From 10 am on Monday 6, Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 December every donation will be matched until the Challenge Fund money runs out.
• Play a part in making quality health care provision for dancers a reality visit: http://new.thebiggive.org.uk/projects/view/8874
• Just £5 pounds for each Dance UK member will raise £7000,  £40 pounds from each Dance UK Corporate Member will raise £10,000.

‘Our art form is very demanding. Our bodies are really our instruments and our sanctuaries. We need to look after them but sometimes... we can’t do it alone. It’s not just about dedication and discipline but also physical care. It’s important for dancers to know that when they get injured they can turn to someone, an institution, an initiative that will provide support and follow-through' Akram Khan dancer.
 
How will this improve dancer's health and injury prevention?
The vision for the National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science is that all top level dancers will have access to the high quality, comprehensive, dance specific healthcare and dance science support services they need, on a par with those enjoyed by elite athletes and dancers in the largest ballet companies. Founding partners are Dance UK, Trinity Laban, University of Wolverhampton and the Jerwood Centre for the Prevention and Treatment of Dance Injuries at Birmingham Royal Ballet, with advice from the British Olympic Medical Institute.  We already raised £30, 000 from  British Harlequin plc,  Jerwood Charitable Foundation has pledged £80, 000 and  the Theatrical Management Association and the Society of London Theatres have donated £1000.
Champions for the National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science include dancer and actress Bonnie Langford, dancer and co-founder of Ballet Boyz  William Trevitt,  Tamara Rojo, principal dancer with The Royal Ballet, Camilla Dallerup, 2008 Strictly Come Dancing winner, Angela Towler dancer with Rambert Dance Company,  and Kate Prince Artistic Director of ZooNation.

For more information about The National Institute for Dance Medicine and Science visit:
www.danceuk.org/healthier-dancer-programme/healthier-dancer-programme-campaigns/national-institute-dance-medicine-and-science/