DanceSyndrome’s work was celebrated with yet another award this weekend!
The DanceSyndrome team was chosen as the recipients of the People’s Choice Award at the One Dance UK Awards in an online awards ceremony which took place on Friday 19th November, live on YouTube and Facebook. (You can watch the whole ceremony on the One Dance UK YouTube Channel.)
DanceSyndrome was founded by Jen Blackwell, who happens to have Down’s syndrome, because she found it difficult to find job opportunities in community dance due to her disability. Our ethos is that disability should never be a barrier to following your dreams. Dancers with and without disabilities work together to inspire people to see what can be achieved when we all become more inclusive. All DanceSyndrome sessions are disability jointly led, with people with learning disabilities taking visible Dance Leader roles working together with professional Dance Artists.
It is this inclusive approach which was recognised through the award nomination. The One Dance UK Awards are an annual celebration for people from across the dance sector to unite, celebrate, acknowledge, and reward the people who have made an impact on the vibrant UK dance landscape. Championing the excellent work of dance artists, teachers, practitioners, educators, schools, choreographers, companies, venues, scientists, and writers, it is an evening of celebrations, for all of those who contribute to the dance sector throughout the UK.
DanceSyndrome was chosen as the recipient of the People’s Choice Awards following a public vote on social media in August. It was the only award category that was chosen exclusively by a public vote. Our team came together via a Zoom watch party on Friday so that they could be together for the announcement of the award and, needless to say, they were ecstatic with the result!
DanceSyndrome Managing Director Julie Nicholson said “The DanceSyndrome Team are absolutely thrilled to receive the People’s Choice Awards. It makes us especially proud that this was chosen by a public vote. It is so encouraging for us all to know that we have such an incredible public following who value our work so much. To win a prestigious award like this at a national level, and in a mainstream dance awards ceremony is testament to the hard work and determination of our team who have responded to the pandemic in a positive way and it is truly well deserved!”
The inspiring work of DanceSyndrome is only possible thanks to the support of our donors. If you would like to support us to offer life changing opportunities for people with learning disabilities in the world of dance, you can donate directly using the form below or visit our Fundraising page for more information.
