Charity (no. 1152664)
DanceSyndrome
"To empower people with learning disabilities through inclusive dance."
Who We Help, Why We Help & the Difference It Makes
Established in 2009, DanceSyndrome was the inspiration of founder and Creative Director, Jen Blackwell, who has Down’s syndrome, and wanted to follow her dream of being a dancer and dance leader.
Jen went to mainstream school and whilst there she realised how much she loved to dance and decided that she wanted to become a community dance worker. After leaving school Jen found herself in the frustrating position of not being able to fulfil her ambition because there was no suitable dance training for a person with a learning disability. After 10 years of unsuccessfully searching for training that was appropriate and inclusive it became clear that many others were in the same situation. Something needed to change and Jen and her parents took matters into their own hands. They formed DanceSyndrome in 2009 and it was registered as a charity in 2013.
Our team strives to continue to provide new and exciting opportunities for people who may otherwise be excluded from mainstream dance. We believe that everyone has the right to follow their own interests and passions – whether they have a disability or not. We work with learning-disabled and non-disabled company members, and we provide inclusive dance and leadership opportunities for people who believe disability need not be a barrier to living life to the full.
All our dance activity is led and informed by people with learning disabilities. DanceSyndrome activities give people confidence, respect, value and self-belief through our philosophy of ‘anything is possible even though you have a learning disability’.
Our Services Are
Low Cost Subsidised Donation AppreciatedConnect with DanceSyndrome today to find out more
Get in touchWhat We Do
Bespoke Workshops
We can deliver bespoke leadership workshops that demonstrate the power of inclusion. These can be adapted to fit the message your organisation wants to share and can be any length to suit your needs.
All our sessions will be co-delivered by a Dance Artist and Dance Leaders with disabilities.
Feedback on past workshops:
“This was a wonderful visit. We all found the visit quite emotional and humbling. It was great to get us on our feet and the dance workshop was really impactful and memorable. The group came away thoroughly impressed by all of you as people, by the vision and scope of DanceSyndrome’s activities.”
To find out more about Bespoke Workshops, please complete our Event Enquiries form and a member of our Events team will be in touch with you.
Training & Professional Development
As a organisation focused on co-production, DanceSyndrome firmly believes in the power of different types of collaboration and we are always considering ways that we can form new and interesting partnerships. These can take many different forms, including straight-forward business sponsorship to support with running costs, in-kind donations of equipment or reciprocal exchanges of pro-bono services, amongst other ideas.
To find out more about Training & Professional Development, please complete our Event Enquiries form and a member of our Events team will be in touch with you.
Connect with DanceSyndrome today to find out more
Get in touchVolunteer
Volunteers with DanceSyndrome play a vital role in helping us to achieve our mission of transforming lives for people with learning disabilities.
There are many ways to volunteer with DanceSyndrome from supporting our weekly community dance sessions, providing pro bono advice and guidance with our strategy and business operations, joining our Board of Trustees or raising money and awareness of our work.
In return, volunteering with DanceSyndrome offers benefits in abundance from being part of the incredible DanceSyndrome family and meeting and connecting with some of the most inspirational and motivational individuals you will ever meet, supporting your physical and mental health, providing the opportunity to meet new friends, to support and advance your career, to take you to places and experiences you never imagined you’d be a part of and to bring pure joy, fun and fulfilment to your life.
Supporting our Dance Sessions & Events
Do you have time to attend our weekly community dance sessions which are held across Lancashire? We’re looking for volunteers to support the sessions, take payments from participants and to help them to get the most out of their experience.
We are also looking for volunteers who can attend events and help with several things including collection buckets, selling merchandise, costumes or back-stage at performances.
Connect with DanceSyndrome today to find out more
Get in touchCommunity Trail
Connect with DanceSyndrome today to find out more
Get in touchGallery
Connect with DanceSyndrome today to find out more
Get in touchAdditional Info
Connect with DanceSyndrome today to find out more
Get in touchA Quick Note About All Profiles on aDoddle
aDoddle.org is owned and operated by If Everyone Cares CIC.
aDoddle is a listing and signposting platform. It does not provide, endorse, or recommend any services.
Profiles on aDoddle are created, updated and managed by the organisations listed. Each organisation is responsible for the content published about its services.
If Everyone Cares CIC does not verify, approve or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided on this website (or any associated websites).
Nothing on this website is intended to constitute advice of any kind. Information should not be relied upon when making decisions or taking action. If you require urgent or specialist support, please contact appropriate professional services directly. You are encouraged to contact organisations directly to confirm details and suitability before proceeding.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, If Everyone Cares CIC excludes liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on information displayed on this website.