A RECEPTION for more than 100 companies was hosted by DanceEast at the Last Anchor in Ipswich to encourage local business support for its financing of a bespoke dance theatre on the Waterfront.

A RECEPTION for more than 100 companies was hosted by DanceEast at the Last Anchor in Ipswich to encourage local business support for its financing of a bespoke dance theatre on the Waterfront.

One of only nine national dance agencies in the UK, DanceEast nurtures and promotes dance across the East of England.

The new DanceHouse, due to open in September 2008, will be the cultural cornerstone of the major urban regeneration programme currently in progress on the Cranfield's Mill site on the Waterfront.

DanceEast is being supported by several regional public bodies in the project to build the £7.9 million DanceHouse, however it has launched the Red Shoe Appeal to raise the final one million pounds.

It is looking to raise £200,000 from the local business community.

Several Suffolk companies have already pledged their support, including Ashton Graham, Bidwells, Birketts, Hopkins Homes, Lloyds TSB Foundation, Prettys, Savills and Bistro on the Quay.

Speaking at the event, James Hehir, chief executive of Ipswich Borough Council and chairman of DanceEast, said: “We all want to be associated with success and the DanceHouse is a proven winner.

“It is 'the jewel in the crown' in the Ipswich Waterfront regeneration and a cultural hub for the region. DanceEast will work right across the community and we are sure the business sector of East Anglia will help us reach our targets.”

Assis Carreiro, director of DanceEast, said she was confident the business community would grasp the opportunity to be part of the landmark project.

“The DanceHouse will enrich our community, making it a desirable place to live and help attract talented people to the area to work,” she added.