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 for any of us.  Ten years of trying to the find the training she both needed and deserved led to us taking that next bold step, the decision to do it our own way.

2009: No dance, no friends, no training, no opportunities to follow her dreams

With no knowledge or experience, and taking our lead from Jen, DanceSyndrome was coined, constituted and registered in 2009 becoming a legal entity in just a few short weeks with the support of Isobel Farquar and the invaluable Sarah Kennedy who was instrumental in making it happen.  It held its first board meeting in Jen’s bedroom, and in 2010 went looking for dancers interested to engage with Jen.

2010: 5 dancer search days.  Jen invited 14 dancers to join her.  They met once a month exploring how to communicate through dance with the help of a grant from UnLtd. Malcolm and I facilitated, bought and prepared food providing nutritious healthy lunch for all.

Jen leading Everybody Dance 2016 Photo by William Fisher

2011: 70 workshops, 15 performances, sharing the joy of the dance with hundreds of others

In just 2 short years we’d turned the corner.  We were now on a different track, one to a different future where the outcomes were unknown, the impacts unexpected, and the opportunities beyond our wildest imaginings.

2026:  Regular weekly workshops; contributions to numerous events from black tie to conferences to awards and community festivals; an accredited training programme for dance artists and dance leaders; inclusive awareness training for businesses, professionals, care workers; devising choreography and performances including at the Edinburgh Fringe; developing work with primary, secondary, college and university partners.

One step at a time brought us here

Jen is living her best life through dance.  Malcolm and I are living our best lives too.  Jen lives in Chorley supported by her brilliant care team. We are nomadic.  We speak a couple of times a week.  We rejoice at achievements together.  Jen wins awards and accolades, I win awards including Lifetime Achievement Award, DanceSyndrome wins awards.  But best of all, Jen has real meaningful friendships she values immensely, we have the freedom to live our own lives.

What a turn around!  We had no idea where this journey might lead.  It is unrecognizable compared to where it began but critically importantly it remains true to its roots.  Communication through dance; leading, devising and performing dance; valuing, respecting and supporting every individual is key to its ethos.

Inclusion underpins everything creating a community where everyone belongs.

Dancers are dancers the world over, whether learning disabled or not.  They love being in demand.  They love leading, devising, performing, speaking and enthusing to all inclined to listen and wanting to know more.  Every dancer in the space is empowered to be their own person.  Every person is a part of the whole and is heard, valued and respected.  Because everyone matters.  When every person contributes what they can the pot can continue to bubble and boil and create opportunities into the foreseeable future and beyond.

Today DanceSyndrome is thriving but we need to secure it for tomorrow, for the future Jen’s of this world. We yearn to create a sustainable future for DanceSyndrome. If you can help us or know someone who can, in this quest please get in touch.

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Based on our belief that everybody matters, there are no barriers and everyone is welcome to contribute and lead their life with purpose and passion, DanceSyndrome

• Ignites change in communities through dance activities that include everyone
• Pioneers professional development for people with and without learning disabilities
• Leads transformational programs demonstrating what’s possible when everyone knows they matter and can contribute to the team, influence their lives, and enhance the lives of others.