The DanceSyndrome Dance Leader team has been recognised again at a national level for the contribution that they have made to the lives of people with disabilities.
Launched in 2018, the Leaders’ List is the UK’s first national list celebrating achievements of people with learning disabilities and/or autism and is pulled together by not-for-profit support provider Dimensions. It is an inspiring collection of stories from people who have learning disabilities and/or autism who are making a difference and getting involved.
The Dance Leader team are all volunteers with DanceSyndrome. They have all completed our unique Dance By Example leadership training, which enables people with a disability to learn how to lead their own inclusive dance workshops. They are also members of our performance teams, delivering inspiring contemporary dance and street dance performances to audiences across the UK demonstrating a focus on “ability, not disability”. Their work inspires and empowers both dancers and audiences to believe that opportunities are endless for people who refuse to be defined by disability.
The incredible work that the Dance Leader team does resulted in them being nominated for the Leaders List. They are one of only 75 people and teams to be included in the list and are recognised in the category of Sports, Arts and Entertainment.
The inclusion on the Leaders’ List isn’t the first time that the team have been recognised for their contribution to their community. In summer 2019, the charity was announced as recipients of the prestigious Queens Award for Voluntary Services, the voluntary group equivalent of an MBE. They also won The People’s Choice Award at the National Learning Disability and Autism Awards 2019. In 2018 Jen, the Founder of DanceSyndrome, received of the Prime Minister’s Point Of Light Award and she has also been included in The Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 List in both 2018 and 2019 and the Lucozade Sport Movers’ List 2019.
DanceSyndrome Managing Director, Dawn Vickers said “It’s amazing to see our Dance Leader team recognised at a national level again! They are an inspirational group of people who have such a strong team bond. They call each other a “dancing family” and they have created a wonderful supportive and inclusive environment where everyone is welcome. We couldn’t be more proud of them and all the recognition they get reflects that. ”
You can read more of the team’s story and more about the Leaders’ List on the Dimensions website.
If you would like to support the life-changing work of DanceSyndrome you can visit the Support us page, or donate directly through the form below. Thank you for your support!
