On Wednesday 17 December 2025, members of DanceSyndrome’s Dance Leader team were celebrated at the organisation’s annual Christmas party. We presented two trophies to Dance Leaders who have gone above and beyond in 2025, both of which were decided by votes from members of the Dance Leader team. We also presented certificates for other achievements, including completion of qualifications, participation in a new Ballet pilot scheme and commitment to volunteering.
Christine Doolan Memorial Award
Since 2021, DanceSyndrome has presented the Christine Doolan Memorial Award to a Dance Leader who has shown kindness in the dance space. The award honours the memory of Chris Doolan, a much-loved DanceSyndrome supporter who passed away in 2021, and it reflects the lasting affection the DanceSyndrome family have for her and her sister Pauline Hall, who we sadly also lost in January 2025. Chris spoke out against discrimination in her working life, and she pushed others to break down barriers so that Pauline and her peers could be included and consulted. She often told people how DanceSyndrome had helped Pauline to thrive and to live her best life. Chris firmly believed that Pauline should be able to choose her own life and she never accepted disability as a barrier to opportunity. Her motto, “Nothing about me without me,” reflected DanceSyndrome’s person-centred values and this is the spirit of the Award.
Each year we look for a winner who has:
– shown bravery, compassion and caring
– refused to give in when there were barriers
– challenged difficulties and overcome them
– been a great friend to others and brought joy and laughter to all.
The 2025 Christine Doolan Award winner is Eliza Boothby. Eliza was nominated by her Dance Leader colleagues for consistently showing kindness and compassion throughout the year. Eliza is 36 and lives in Warrington. She was one of the original dancers who joined when DanceSyndrome formed in 2009, and she completed our first ‘Dance By Example’ Leadership training. Eliza has many years’ experience co-leading workshops across the North-West and is a valued member of DanceSyndrome’s DS Collective team. She is known for her gentle temperament, generosity and beautiful performance work. In 2025 her colleagues recognised that she regularly goes above and beyond to support others in the dance space and wider community, making her a very worthy recipient of the Christine Doolan Award.
Eliza was presented with her award by last year’s winner, Becky Rich. Eliza said “I’m honoured to have been given this award. It was a total surprise when my name was called out. I didn’t think it would be me but I’m very impressed to have been chosen as the winner.”
John Jones Award for Enthusiasm
In 2025 we introduced a new Award, the John Jones Award for Enthusiasm. The award was created in partnership with Brothers of Charity to celebrate the life of John Jones, who took part in many DanceSyndrome sessions and who sadly passed away earlier in 2025. John was known to everyone who met him as a huge character, full of energy and enthusiasm for dance. From 2025, this award will be presented at the end of each year, to a Dance Leader who brings outstanding enthusiasm to their work with DanceSyndrome.
The first ever John Jones Award for Enthusiasm was presented to David Corr. David is 27 and lives in Chorley. David was nominated by his Dance Leader colleagues because brings enormous energy and positivity to everything he does for DanceSyndrome and beyond. David is well loved for his upbeat attitude and passion for dance. He gives his all to every session and is a deserving recipient of the first John Jones Award for Enthusiasm.
David was presented with his award by DanceSyndrome Founder Jen Blackwell. David said “I did not expect to win! It’s a lovely way to remember John Jones and the award really reflects John’s personality. I met him in our Zoom sessions and he was a lovely person to chat with. I’m very proud to have my hard work and enthusiasm recognised and to have been chosen by the people on my team.”
Congratulations to Eliza and David from everyone at DanceSyndrome.
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