Dance Charity wins Learning Disability Award

The inspiring work of DanceSyndrome was recognised at a national level this week when our Dance Leader team was announced as winner of The People's Award at the National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards.

The awards, which took place on Friday 28th June at the ICC, Birmingham, celebrate excellence in the support for people with learning disabilities and aim to pay tribute to individuals and organisations who excel in providing quality provision. The awards event was particularly special for the DanceSyndrome team as they also opened the ceremony with a contemporary dance performance, which was attended by over 750 people.

The People's Award celebrates the work of a team who offer exceptional encouragement, personal development and inclusive opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities and or autism. DanceSyndrome actively promotes the importance of improving inclusion in dance and all aspects of life. The charity aims to challenge perceptions of disability by empowering dancers to become more visible and active citizens.

The judges described DanceSyndrome as "An outstanding group of individuals that bring people from all diversities together. DanceSyndrome gives people the opportunity to grow and develop relationships, as well as to be a part of something meaningful. An inclusive group that welcomes all, transforming the lives of all who join, and empowering some individuals to become dance leaders."

DanceSyndrome Managing Director Dawn Vickers said "We are so proud of our Dance Leaders! They are such a hard working, dedicated group of people who have a real passion for dance. The fact that many of them have overcome difficulties to achieve their ambitions of becoming Dance Leaders is truly inspiring and we hope that people will see them dancing and be inspired to follow their own dreams, whether that is in dance or other areas."

Lisa Carr, Editor of Care Talk magazine who host the event, said: “The awards acknowledge and champion the amazing work done each day in the care sector to support people living with learning disabilities and autism. The people nominated for these awards represent the social care sector at its very best, and they enable people to live rich and fulfilling lives. We are thrilled to be able to recognise the unsung heroes in our communities.”

This is the second accolade for DanceSyndrome in the space of a week. On Saturday 22nd June, the charity Founder Jen Blackwell received a Highly Commended certificate at the Inspire Awards, held in Bolton. The Inspire Awards celebrate the achievements of women from all walks of life in the diverse and thriving local community, showcasing extraordinary examples of courage, triumph, kindness, compassion, transformation, skill and success.

Jen said “I’m honoured to have been Highly Commended in the HER-Abilities Award category. Being nominated for this award shows that people with learning disabilities can do amazing things with their lives if given a chance. Dancing is my life, I am passionate about dance and about supporting people like me to have opportunities in the dance world.”

If you would like more information about DanceSyndrome please contact the team via email at info@dancesyndrome.co.uk.