David Toole dead at 56 – Double amputee dancer who performed breathtaking routine at London 2012 Paralympic Games dies

A DOUBLE amputee dancer who performed a stunning routine at the London 2012 Paralympic Games has died aged 56. David Toole, who was made an OBE last year for services to dance and people with disabilities, passed away at a hospital in Leeds earlier this week. Paying tribute to the performer, co-director of the London […]

A DOUBLE amputee dancer who performed a stunning routine at the London 2012 Paralympic Games has died aged 56.

David Toole, who was made an OBE last year for services to dance and people with disabilities, passed away at a hospital in Leeds earlier this week.

PA:Press Association

David Toole delivered a stunning performance at the 2012 London Paralympics[/caption]

Rex Features

Toole was born with a condition called sacral agenisis and had his legs amputated as a young child[/caption]

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

“The most unique and left-field man ever and funny beyond words.”

She also said the he was an “extraordinary performer” and “funny beyond words”.

Slung Low a Leeds-based theatre company confirmed his death.

From birth, Toole had a condition called sacral agenisis, which stopped his legs from growing properly.

He was born with his legs crossed but later had them amputated as a young child so he would have improved mobility.

At the opening ceremony of the Paralympics, he delivered a stunning ballet-inspired performance as he was hoisted up into the air above the dance floor.

He also featured in films such as Amazing Grace and the Tango Lesson and performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

As tributes continued to pour in for the dancer, Slung Low’s 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.”

Candoco, a dance company based in London which is known for bringing together both disabled and non-disabled performers also confirmed the death of Toole.

Charlotte Darbushire, the company’s artistic director issued a statement saying Toole was “an exceptional dancer whose outstanding presence and performance changed the dance world”.

PA:Press Association

He delivered a captivating performance at the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Paralympic Games, as he was hoisted up in the air[/caption]

Rex Features

He was made an OBE last year for his services to dance and disabled people[/caption]