Dodging the cloud bursts we arrived at Blackburn Empire Theatre excited to watch Express 24, the annual show of the multi-faceted talented dance charity, DanceSyndrome.

The Sunken Forest was an opportunity to put aside the cares of the world, allow yourself to be enveloped by finely wrought, enthralling,

Sunken Forest dancers Express Day 24

enchanting spell binding ballet.  The dance was absorbing as dancers shared their professionalism as confident soloists, twirling with their friends, connecting in small cameos or as a whole describing the tragedy of climate change based on a Welsh myth. The atmospheric music drew us in being skillfully performed on stage by the eminent professional harpist Eira Lynn Jones who gifted and entrusted her beautiful lyrical composition to this unique dance organization.  Eira had always wanted to see it performed by dancers who are outside the mainstream, dancers who can bring an extra dimension to the work alongside narration and digital imagery.  She describes it as a ‘pinch me moment’, as ‘dreams come true’.

DanceSyndrome now has a youth collective formed just over 6 months ago.  They too were accomplished and inspirational with this being only their second performance.  As with everything DanceSyndrome they all have input from the off into generating ideas, creating choreography, developing the performance, and it shows.  They own the show.  Because they’ve created it.  Not only did they radiate confidence, but real talent shone through.

Dancers from the Community groups contributed too emulating hope, joy, aspirations, opportunities for all with many treading the boards for the first time ever enjoying having the limelight shone on them.  How many people with learning disabilities experience this sense of self?  In a proper theatre with proper lighting?  This is role reversal.  DanceSyndrome is not doing things for people with learning disabilities, rather with them and led by them.  DanceSyndrome fathoms ways for every individual to experience liberation through dance, witnessing people step up, step out, and loving it!  Now we, the audience rejoice seeing people baring their souls loving that sense of togetherness and community through dance.  Finally they invited us, the audience, to join the collective in their happiness.

The second act comprised the DanceSyndrome Collective performing SENse, work devised for the Edinburgh Fringe and touring in 2024.  This work should be seen far and wide.  It is professional, inclusive, it grabs your attention, demonstrates the nonsense of inequality, of confining people to boxes just because they happen to have learning disabilities.  It is brave issue based work telling it as it is, an anathema.  Believing that people should be treated in a certain way because of their ‘condition’ is ridiculous.  Not only does it discriminate against and  disenfranchise the person themselves, but it also denies the rest of society opportunities to learn from those who are differently able, who can help unlock solutions to intractable challenging problems.  Every person has unique attributes and talents, and this show opens your eyes to a hidden font of talent.

Am I biased?  As a co-founder of DanceSyndrome, probably.  And also immensely proud.  But it’s fair to say that a sense of wonderment pervaded the entire theatre with the audience awed by their collective experience.  By the end of the show there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

Have you ever wondered if people with learning disabilities should have opportunities to follow their dreams?  Allow yourself just 10 minutes in the presence of DanceSyndrome and you will have all your questions and more answered.  Those privileged to witness Express24 were deeply impacted and moved by the spectacle laid bare in front of them.  With insider knowledge it is fascinating to witness progression routes displayed in front of you.  This was dance with energy vibrancy and poignancy rarely witnessed or associated with learning disabilities, indeed the man in the street would surely dismiss it as not merit worthy of a second glance knowing that some of the dancers have learning disabilities, but if you like me, have ever witnessed these dancers at work their sheer professionalism shines through as they enhance and affirm their sense of community and self striving for ever greater achievements through the joy of inclusive dance.

DanceSyndrome changes and challenges perceptions of learning disability.  They deserve your attention.

Don’t just take my word for it! Lovely to see Elaine Annabel review in the Yorkshire Times

Photographs by kind permission of DanceSyndrome taken at Express Day 24 in Blackburn, March 17th 2024.