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Gary Avis and Friends
Then as a way of bringing him out of himself his mum took him along to disco dancing classes – and he turned out to be good at it, very good, so good that he’s progressed to the highest pinnacle of the dance world. “If it hadn’t been for the volunteer run community arts groups that helped me I wouldn’t be where I am today. So I am massively grateful for what they gave and I think everyone should have the opportunity to discover their talents and feel the healing power of the arts. That’s why he’s fundraising for Suffolk Community Foundation’s Arts and Culture fund and says its support for those in need is vital.
Gary explained there are a number of reasons for returning to Ipswich to repeat the Gary Avis and Friends gala experience organised five years ago. “It’s a big thank you to those who gave me the lifeline that led me to the Royal Ballet but also to help fund-raise for Suffolk Community Foundation and the charities it supports which use the arts to help those in need. He explained, that the arts can be a powerful force for good especially for those who are going through personal challenges – something he knows from his own experience. “I was a very quiet child, some would say withdrawn. I come from a loving family, we didn’t have much money, but we had a happy home. We lived in quite a tough area of Ipswich, and I went to a school where you needed to be able to stand up for yourself. Being bullied wasn’t uncommon but it felt like I was at the top of the list. I didn’t hate school, I felt quite safe there, but as soon as the bell went real fear took over. I would try to run and get ahead of them to avoid getting a hiding, but they always seemed to catch me. Every day when I got home from school, my mum would dust me down and take off my coat and put it in the washing machine because it would always be covered in spit. I couldn’t see a light at the end of the tunnel, I felt scared, weak and worthless. Life was miserable.”
It’s only the second time in half a century that dancers from The Royal Ballet Company have been to Suffolk and the only other place you can see these dancers is in London, he said. “There are other charity galas but they are either at Sadler’s Wells or a top West End theatre with prices to match. “I am really excited about this event, we have had such a fantastic time organising it. Five years ago we ran something similar and it was a great success and now really seems to be the right time to repeat it.” This is partly because after years living in London he returned to Suffolk in 2014 to get more of a work/life balance and although that means a commute from the depths of the countryside everyday it means he is now more able to get involved in community life in Suffolk as well. “I am extremely fortunate to have a job I absolutely love but I wanted to have the balance of having a home life and feel that when I wasn’t working that I was away from London.” To that end he has now become a trustee of Dance East. “Brendan Keaney is a brilliant director and I really warmed to him. When he said he felt that my ‘local boy roots’ could assist and strengthen abilities to reach out to the local community, I was very happy to get on board and help the team.” But he’s also passionate about outreach work in the community which is why he performed at The High Sheriff’s gala show at The Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds last year to launch Suffolk Community Foundation’s new Arts and
Culture Fund. “This fund is all about giving people access to all types of arts forms, not just dance, but with the special aim to help them through some kind of personal challenge they might be facing. Five years ago my Gary Avis and Friends gala in aid of The Hunger Project was sold out so it seemed a good idea to repeat it with all proceeds to the Art and Culture Fund. “What’s made me even more excited is that we have created a special opportunity for those who would like to help 300 of Suffolk’s most disadvantaged young people, who wouldn’t otherwise be able to see the show.” Suffolk Community Foundation has extended this exclusive offer to Essential Suffolk readers before the tickets go on sale. For £120, you can enjoy the show from the very best seats while at the same time making the choice to extend this invitation for a young person to be there too. This special £120 ticket offer ends when tickets go on general sale to the public at 9.30am on May 4th so book early to avoid disappointment.To book call The Ipswich Regent Box Office on 01473 433100 quoting the words ‘Dance4Suffolk’ and you will be able to purchase as many seats as you like.
INFORMATION Ipswich Regent Box Office 01473 433100 www.suffolkcf.org.uk
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