When the idea for gathering dancers with and without learning disabilities together to learn skills, create choreography and support each other to develop it was because nothing existed to support our daughter Jen to do what she wanted to do – Dance.
Jen, with a her support team at that time, came up with idea in her bedroom, then put the call out locally to see if anyone else was interested. There were 100 responses which blew us all away. We knew there was a need for others with learning disabilities to follow their dreams, but we had no idea the demand was so big.
14 years later and the impact now touches thousands of lives with people taking part in community dance sessions; workshops in businesses,schools and universities; seeing dancers at train stations and on stage. The ripple effect also impacts the social and personal development for parents and carers and the wider family groupings.
From being written off, Jen, her friends and support team, all co-contributors to DanceSyndrome make it look so easy! The extra struggles we’ve faced because of our unique model of co-production, where those with learning disabilities take the lead, benefits everybody involved. There’s no winners or losers. It’s an even playing field where everyone matters and everyone benefits from working together.
At DanceSyndrome, diversity is the norm, inclusion is the bedrock – there are no barriers, hurdles to clear or glass ceilings to break through – everybody matters and has something to offer to the conversation.Every person brings their unique assets and talents to the table taking from it what they need to nourish their soul, to flourish and thrive.
DanceSyndrome will always be grounded in the ethos that everyone matters. In demand, contributing to society. People are finding the support they need whether it’s dance; a social outlet; a fun activity with a friend. People with and without learning disabilities, carers and parents are seeing what’s possible for everyone.
And DanceSyndrome is being recognised on big stages for the impact it’s making – most recently being commended for Inclusive Innovation at the Northern Power Women Awards; and winning the Music and culture for wellbeing award at the first Northern Music Awards for the Everybody Dance sessions held across the north west and online each week.
My recent conversation with innovative social care leader Jim Thomas explored how even now in 2024 the social care system isn’t seeing the whole person for who they are. Jim said, “the best social care is invisible”, which is why it’s so hard to explain to people who don’t have experience of the social care system, or support someone with a learning disability what’s possible.
Organisations like DanceSyndrome are changing lives, one person at a time. From those early days when we were simply wanting to help Jen be and do what she wanted, the ripple effects have enabled us as a family of four to develop and grow and lead independent lives.
Jen, the Blackwells and DanceSyndrome want to change the world. We want to see a world where everybody is listened to, seen for who they are – an individual who, with the right support, can contribute to society and impact the lives of those they live with and meet.
Are you with us seeing the possibilities for everyone?
Other parts of our conversation are here: https://blackwells.biz/equitable-relationships/ and https://blackwells.biz/working-together/
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DanceSyndrome: Inspiring possibilities, igniting change and transforming lives. Creating opportunities for families with learning disabilities.
Online and community, award winning, Everybody Dance sessions, captivating performances, development opportunities & inclusion in action training, breaking down barriers to individual happiness.