Dance leaders are the people’s champions
THE leadership team at an inspirational dance charity has won a prestigious national award.
Staff at Accringtonbased charity DanceSyndrome were named the winners of The People’s Award at the National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards.
The ceremony was particularly special for the team as they also opened the event with a contemporary dance performance.
DanceSyndrome is an inclusive arts charity that aims to inform and empower people through dance.
The judges described the charity as “an outstanding group of individuals that bring people from all diversities together”.
They added: “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.”
Dawn Vickers, managing director, said they are ‘so proud of our dance leaders’.
She said: “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.”
It was the second accolade for DanceSyndrome in the space of a week with founder Jen Blackwell receiving a Highly Commended certificate at the Inspire Awards.
Jen, who has Down’s syndrome, 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.”