We’ve just returned back to the UK buoyed up by a fabulous experience at #EAMHID25 in Ghent where Jen and the DanceSyndrome dancers made a significant contribution. Not only did they have an opportunity to deliver a solicited symposium (presentation) in conjunction with the NHS and a workshop ‘Embracing Inclusivity’, but they were given license to share their passion and joy for dance during coffee and lunch breaks, which they did with gusto!

These dancers exude smiles and happiness everywhere they go. They contribute energy and a positive vibe. They are contributors to society. Not only is their wellbeing enhanced, but so is that of every person who witnesses it.

The workshop co-delivered by Eve and Peter gave an insight into DanceSyndrome training. 75 attendees were embraced in the moment where many experienced a heightened awareness of living with a learning disability than ever before. For some this was deeply personal and illuminating. With DanceSyndrome grounded in the ethos of equity and inclusion it was particularly empowering for all that people from all walks of life were all in the space at the same time and were all able to understand so much more about every member of society. At one point, in spite of being forewarned, Eve and Peter purposefully created controversy and confusion. It came at us out of the blue and was an incredibly powerful representation of the challenges people with learning disabilities face each and every day.

This training is a DanceSyndrome product. We welcome enquiries to share this further and wider whether at conferences, universities, businesses, health and social care, or professional associations.

The symposium was attended by fewer but drew feedback from a professional audience member ‘that was the best conference presentation I have ever been to’. I don’t think you can do better than that! So likewise, DanceSyndrome would love to hear from you if you can open doors into sharing our message onward.

On Friday day 2, EAMHID shared
3 key moments
• Keynote speaker Harry Roche talked about the right to make your own decisions as a person with an intellectual disability. As a driven self-advocate with experience in accessibility and human rights, he is committed to building an inclusive future where no one is left behind. He gave a powerful keynote, encouraging us to advocate for ourselves and our peers.
• At the same time, dr. Noelle Blackman gave a keynote about how to support people in their grief. She has worked extensively to support people with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities and their families, who have experienced severe trauma.
• DanceSyndrome gave a workshop titled ‘Embracing Inclusivity’. They also treated us to wonderful performances today and yesterday.

As Jen and I so often find ourselves reflecting on, it’s amazing at the impact we can make when we are just being our authentic selves. At times we will all have tried to fit the mould, tried to fit in, tried to exist in toxic environments where not every person works or thinks in a way to enhance the whole but rather to protect themselves and their career paths, or normalised abusive patterns of operating.

I love that we can ‘be’. This underpins the ethos of DanceSyndrome where every person belongs. Every person is equal. And every person can thrive with the right support.

Also shared by EAHMID
3 insights:
• We need to support each other in becoming self-advocates. The future is inclusive, and your advocacy should be too.
• Dance doesn’t only change the lives of people who dance, but has the ability to touch the lives of everyone around them.
• If we look through the lens of the Good Lives Model, we can ask 1 primary question: “What did you always want to do?” Start from the answer to that question, then learn new, different skills. This way, alternative life paths come into view and connection forms through a purpose, a community, and shared values.

Together we are stronger.

Jen’s experience included whilst travelling out excitedly said, ‘My dancing family is on tour’, ‘My dancing family is growing’. At the end at Brussels station Julie, DanceSyndrome Managing Director asked Jen what had been the best thing of the whole trip. Her reply (after processing time) was ‘family’.

Malcolm and I were really happy that Jen chose to go out on the town for a ‘cheeky beer’ with her dancing family on the last night rather than come back with us.

Thanks to David for pulling this together of some of the highlights of the trip: