Tributes after 2012 Paralympics dance star dies aged 56

DANCER David Toole, who performed in the opening ceremony for the London 2012 Paralympic Games, has died aged 56.

The death of the Leeds performer, who was last year made an OBE for services to dance and to people with disabilities, was confirmed by the Leeds- based Slung Low theatre company.

Mr Toole, inset, died in hospital in the city last week.

Jenny Sealey, artistic co- director of the London 2012 Paralympics opening ceremony, said: “Dave was so many things, our darling, wonderful, opinionated, glorious, silly, funny, kind, sexy, loving and wise friend.

“The most unique and leftfield man ever and funny beyond words.

“And of course, an extraordinary performer and a unique brilliant dancer.”

Mr Toole was born with sacral agenesis, meaning his legs did not develop properly, and he had them amputated when he was a young child, according to the BBC.

During the Paralympics opening ceremony, he gave a solo performance which saw him hoisted into the air high above the dance floor.

His film credits include The Tango Lesson and Amazing Grace and he also performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Slung Low artistic director Alan Lane said: “We are all so sad to hear of Dave Toole’s passing.

“It was such a privilege to make so many adventures with him.

“He had an extraordinary talent; he was a brilliant actor and the very finest dancer we’ve ever seen.”

Mr Toole’s death was also confirmed by the London- based Candoco dance company, which frequently brings together both disabled and non- disabled performers.

Its artistic director, Charlotte Darbyshire, said in a statement that he was an “exceptional dancer whose outstanding presence and performance changed the dance world”.

Speaking to the BBC in 2013, Mr Toole said his dance routines were built on his everyday movement.

“I got around on my hands at home, standing on one hand to reach up to turn lights on and off and things, so I used things like that in performing,” he said.

“It looked amazing, but to me it was no big deal. But it looked good.

“Things like that worked in my favour and I never questioned it because I seemed to be good at something.”