After our whirlwind week in the UK visiting Malcolm’s Mum Jean and finding her in remarkably fine spirits, a couple of powerful DanceSyndrome sessions connecting with each other in person and other organisations in our dance world including our partners from Japan, and playing catch up on various fronts, we were happy to be heading back to Sukama. UK, Antigua, … Read More
Humanity rising – the power of love
These past couple of weeks have been amazing, a microcosm of our world in theory and in practice. We have embraced risk and opportunity, we have committed to each other and travelled the miles, inspired and impacted unsuspecting others, and opened doors to the future for DanceSyndrome with Jen seen, heard, valued and respected communicating through her language of dance. … Read More
The vibrancy of life being lived
The stifling heat in Antigua greeted my sister (Paul’s Mum), Merie two weeks ago. It has been pure joy to hear her excitement as she witnesses the next unexpected and revels in the numerous offbeat opportunities presenting. I am thrilled that we are able to make new memories with someone so dear to me, someone who I only came to know … Read More
DanceSyndrome 17 years on
Thank you for noticing and for your congratulations! Can it really be 17 years since we took those first faltering steps towards the birth of DanceSyndrome? Like so many decisions it was driven by necessity. Jen’s world was crumbling around her and the frustration of her aspirations not being recognized just because she has a learning disability was too much … Read More
Choosing your path
I shall always remember the very first time we visited and fell in love with Guernsey. Aft clambering over rocks we were resting and admiring the view from the alluring coast path, Jen gurgling happily in a kangaroo carrier as Malcolm and I chatted quietly smitten by the beauty of our surroundings and the profundity of the moment as we … Read More
Jen’s summer months – in her own words
I hope you had a lovely summer. I did. I’m loving my life, just being me. I’m having a blast! The July community showcase of my charity DanceSyndrome was just amazing. All my dancers were together in one space. Everyone shone in their own unique way and lit up the theatre but we came together in a new dance where … Read More
A ‘service user’ summer
How was it for you? Your summer holiday that is. Hopefully you’re restored, refreshed, relaxed, reinvigorated. It’s important isn’t it. That break we all value so much, plan ahead of time, secure the dates in the work calendar, decide whether we prefer to go alone, with family or friends. As autonomous adults we can choose where, when, the budget, and … Read More
In Jen’s own words
I always wanted to be a dancer. I’ve always danced. It’s in my blood. Dance is how I communicate best. I’m Jen and I’m a dancer. I am co-founder and director of my charity DanceSyndrome. I’m also proud to be a NAPA Ambassador helping others to be active in whatever way is right for them. I trained as a community … Read More
Dear Parent
If you don’t have a child with learning disabilities, please read on to understand more. This is our reality. If like me you do have an offspring with learning disabilities you’ll experience life very differently to the rest of society. Dear Parent, How are you doing today? If we haven’t met before I’m Jen’s mum, occasionally known as Sue. Today … Read More
Do you see me and my vulnerabilities
I’m always mindful when writing as a carer of 43 years that I’ve had it relatively easy. Jen has been blessed with good health, so our challenges have mostly been intellectually, socially and emotionally focused. The lot of a carer is fraught with uncertainty and often significant financial sacrifice. We find ourselves needing eyes in the back of our heads … Read More