I have had some really special moments these past few months that I want to share.
After our Express performance in June, my dancing family all worked on new dances. Some people worked on new mass participation dances, some in small groups. I created a new solo dance with Dance Artist Matthew. He helped me improve my dance with some new moves.
Danny and Jen in Cork
I spent two days with Danny Zumba in Cork in August. I travelled with my support Mia and Danny looked after us really well. Danny picked us up from the hotel which was very kind of him. We went to his Zumba sessions which were fun. At each one I led at least one dance routine which everyone followed. We danced to Green Green Grass, Where did you go and Relight my fire. I had a whopping ovation. I would love Danny to meet my dancing family. He is such a lovely guy.
My music group Jubiloso have had a few concerts in Preston. Last week we were at a Disability Equality NW event and guess what? My best friend Becky was there! We didn’t know we would see each other. It was amazing.
I spent some time with my special Nan with Mum and Dad before visiting my Uncle Mike for his wedding anniversary. Special Nan and I did some dancing together. I helped her to move her body with the music and she even reached out her hands so we could dance together. It was very special. We sang her special song too which she wants to have at her funeral.
You can see us dancing on this video. Dancing is for everyone. You always get it right if you are moving in the best way for you.
I had a very long day going to the RCN Foundation Awards in London. My support AnnaLeah and I went by train and we met T-J in London who was supporting me too. I was very well 
looked after with a whole platter of gluten free food brought especially for me. We also had the colourful non-alcoholic Shirley Temple drinks which were very yummy.
After the awards were over I met Sameena Ali-Khan and gave her my card. She had been amazing and spoke really clearly so I could understand everything she said. I told her how clearly she had spoken and she told me to stop because I was making her cry. We had our photograph taken together. What a really lovely lady.
It had been a very long day and I slept really well as soon as my head touched the pillow!
I’m really excited to be opening the second half of DanceSyndrome’s special performance of ORIGIN on 19th November at The Lowry, Salford Quays. I will also be meeting VIPs and guests as co-founder with my Mum and Dad and Managing Director Julie. There’s only a few tickets left, so I hope you get yours.
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Jen Blackwell is a dancer, leader and a multi-award winning role model. She is co-founder and a director of the charity DanceSyndrome. This is her update, in her own words.
One Comment on “Creating special moments – In Jen’s own words”
Jen, reading your story put the biggest smile on my face! You’ve had such an incredible few months, from creating your new solo dance with Matthew to leading the crowd with Danny in Cork—what a moment to get a whopping ovation! I love how you brought so much joy to your Special Nan by sharing that dance and song with her; that is pure magic and proves that dance really is for everyone. Surprising your best friend Becky at the Jubiloso concert and getting treated like royalty at the RCN Foundation Awards in London with delicious food, Shirley Temples, and a sweet chat with Sameena were such perfect highlights. Thank you for sharing your light, energy, and heart—keep dancing and making every moment count!