This is a plain English version of the article “From Access to Action: How can the dance sector rethink inclusion?” which was published on the One Dance UK website.
As a North West dance company that works with Artists with learning disabilities, DanceSyndrome wants to support people to develop their skills in leadership, choreography and performance, to help create a more accessible future for the dance.
In March 2026, we held a sharing and learning event in Manchester. We invited Artists with disabilities, dance organisations and arts leaders to come together and talk about what real change in dance should look like.
The day was about more than sharing ideas. It was about listening, learning and thinking about what needs to happen next. We want this to be part of a longer journey with definite actions, not just a one-off event.
The event took place at Friends Meeting House in Manchester. DanceSyndrome was joined by people from Arts Council England, Cheshire Dance, National Youth Dance Company, Stopgap Dance Company, Mind the Gap and Land Fes, from Japan. We used the day to share good practice, talk honestly and think about how we can work together to make changes happen.
We asked everyone to introduce themselves using an object or photograph that meant something to them. We also invited people to share a dance experience they were proud of and to talk about their hopes for their future dance career. After that, we discussed what helps Artists with learning disabilities to grow, and what still needs to change so they feel more included.
A lot of important themes came out of those conversations. People talked about the need for better access and support, easier ways to find commissions and opportunities, and clearer paths between training, creating and performing. Artists also said that accessible rehearsal spaces and more inclusive networking opportunities are important. These things often cost a lot of money, so there is also a strong need for better information about funding.
Julie Nicholson, Managing Director, said:
“DanceSyndrome doesn’t want this to be a one-off conversation. This is a long-term journey about changing practice, amplifying diverse voices and making sure Artists with disabilities are not just present, but leading the way.”
Some people also talked about more challenging questions. They said Artists with learning disabilities need more visibility, support to make themselves heard and more confidence to take on important roles in dance. There was also a feeling that mainstream dance is not always ready, or fully willing, to working with Artists with disabilities in all the different ways it could.
Sophie Tickle, Artistic Director, said:
“Real inclusion in the Dance sector happens when we move beyond access being an add-on. Artists and audiences with disabilities should be shaping our work from the beginning.”
The feedback from the day was very positive. In the evaluation, everyone said events like this are needed:
• 91% said they would like to come to another event in future
• 91% said they felt listened to on the day
People described the event as informative, thought-provoking, inspiring, empowering, open and creative.
Charlotte Jones, an Artist with Mind The Gap said:
“The DanceSyndrome event was a great chance to meet other Artists and organisations and be able to learn from each other and share our experiences. As a Northern learning-disabled Artist, I hope for more collaboration and opportunities, which will make our work more powerful and have a bigger impact on society. I feel optimistic about the future of these connections and what they might hold.”
People also told us what they want next. They asked for the learning to be shared more widely, more opportunities to work together, and practical next steps such as Artist exchanges. Some people said they would like future events to include more time for moving and dancing together, so that creative energy can build before discussions begin.
Julie Nicholson said:
“Real change in the Arts won’t happen by accident. It needs investment and strategic commitment to doing things differently. DanceSyndrome is keen to create real change, driven by the Artists themselves.”
The event showed that there is a lot of work still to do. Artists talked about how hard it can be to understand funding systems, find the right opportunities and get the support they need to build a career. It also showed that while some progress has been made, there is still more to do to make sure Artists with learning disabilities are supported fairly and consistently.
For DanceSyndrome, this is part of a longer journey. We want to keep the conversation going through more events, more partnerships and a practical action plan that is based on what Artists have told us.
Sophie Tickle said:
“This is about embedding a culture where diverse Artists are genuinely valued for their creativity and leadership, as equal contributors. We should be striving to amplify their voices and provide platforms for their work.”
The next step is to turn these ideas into action. We want the conversation in Manchester to help shape future opportunities, partnerships and change across the dance sector.
DanceSyndrome is now developing an action plan and working with partner organisations to share practice and move this work forward. We would love to hear from other Artists and organisations who share our values and want to be part of this movement.
To find out more about how to get involved in this work, please complete the form on the Contact Us page.
Come and see our Artists with learning disabilities at their next event…
