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Performance Feedback

What can I say but WOW. I don’t feel as if I have been on a study day I feel like I have been to the theatre. It has been amazing. The speakers and performers show so much passion in what they do and what they want to achieve.
Audience Feedback
Inspiring! Amazing! Conference really reflected inclusion, participation and empowerment and moreover that we need to focus on what people can do not what they can’t. So empowering, what a fantastic day.
Audience Feedback
DanceSyndrome it made me extremely happy to see a group of individuals all taking part in a performance as complete equals. Listening to comments around me people still seemed surprised by people’s ability (which makes me a little sad) but a wonderful opportunity for all to see and watch pure beauty.
Audience Feedback
Truly amazing!! Can’t tell you how much this conference has inspired me. Please do it again!
Audience Feedback
To see and learn how focusing on what you can do and encouraging it brings so much confidence and feeling of belonging to the individual. Small adjustments make a huge difference.
Audience Feedback
Such a good learning day – so inspirational, emotional and joyous!
Audience Feedback
DanceSyndrome were fantastic! I want more groups like this in the world.
Audience Feedback
DanceSyndrome – wow!! Becky and the team are truly inspirational people thank you.
Audience Feedback
Inspirational – every dancer had an important role in delivering a professional piece of contemporary dance. More please!
Audience Feedback
Amazing. Inspirational. Enjoyable. Fab!!! The smiles on the faces said it all.
Audience Feedback
Inspirational and I already know that disabled people can follow their dreams. Thank you for your work in making it real.
Audience Feedback
Fantastic performance, thank you!
Audience Feedback
Fabulous!
Audience Feedback
Amazing! Inspiring!
Audience Feedback
There was a level of intimacy in the performance I haven't experienced before.
Audience Feedback
Stunning performance.
Audience Feedback
Great performance. Loved it!
Audience Feedback
Amazing magical performance.
Audience Feedback
Excellent work and worthwhile activity.
Audience Feedback
An outstanding performance. Thank you.
Audience Feedback
DanceSyndrome reinforces ability and talent of disabled people.
Audience Feedback
Fab performance led by Jen at DanceSyndrome the inclusive arts charity. Empowering people with learning disabilities through dance.
Audience Feedback
So last night Ii had the pleasure of watching DanceSyndrome perform in Preston! This is a dance company of disabled & non-disabled dancers. What is so unique to them is that each dancer gets to lead their own dance session! The first time I had heard about this project, I cried, I cried out of joy, out of progress & out of fulfilment that such a forward-thinking movement was being put into action. The performance last night blew me away completely! DanceSyndrome prove 100% that we are all one and that every person in our world deserves the opportunity to explore the best of their ability. Thank you so much for inspiring me, but mostly inspiring my little sister, she loved it! Even more amazing to then cater to a diverse, wide audience where everyone can relate and enjoy art. Big up to all the dance artists you should be so proud!
Audience Feedback
Such a privilege to watch.
Audience Feedback
When attending the EVA Awards, the last thing I expected was to be stunned by a group of disabled dancers. After performing myself and witnessing performances quite regularly, never have I been so captivated by a dance/physical theatre act before... It brought me to tears, and I've never cried through happiness before. Thank-you for being guys!
Audience Feedback
Very emotional and utterly brilliant!
Audience Feedback
It was both beautiful and inspiring and deserves to be seen by a much bigger audience.
Audience Feedback
Absolutely beautiful performance! Loved the partnering between ALL dancers, with absolutely no discrimination at all!
Audience Feedback
Good luck! I hope to perform with you!
Audience Feedback
I think it's amazing this company exists. Giving equal opportunities and chances to everyone. I've always felt the attitude of the performing arts industry, regarding disability and appearance needs to change - and you guys are making that happen. WELL DONE!
Audience Feedback
So heart-warming and beautiful, you could feel the love from everyone  on stage. Easily one of the best performances I've ever seen.
Audience Feedback
This was such a beautiful performance. Thank you for opening my eyes.
Audience Feedback
This is INCLUSION. A very professional performance, incredibly moving and the enjoyment for the performers is evident. It really needs a far bigger audience. Well done!
Audience Feedback
The performance was extremely moving and amazingly put together, seeing how happy each member of the cast was made it even more incredible. Keep doing what you're doing! Love all of you.
Audience Feedback
I love that there was humour, sexuality hetro & LGBT. The girl in the wheelchair sparkled. Thank you for the show.
Audience Feedback
This sort of work is greatly needed. The expression of joy in the eyes of the girl in the wheelchair gave me a feeling of joy also.
Audience Feedback

Workshop & Training Participants Say...

'Dance is something I wanted to do for many years.'
Workshop/Training Participant
'I like using my imagination, it is a physical and mental exercise. All the hate I had is gone. I feel like I'm part of something and that makes me happy and relaxed.'
Workshop/Training Participant
'Made me more sociable'
Workshop/Training Participant
'More confident'
Workshop/Training Participant
'I've got new friends'
Workshop/Training Participant
'I go out more'
Workshop/Training Participant
'I'm happier in my life'
Workshop/Training Participant
'I love dancing!'
Workshop/Training Participant
'I like leading, it makes me feel I'm on top of the world We have fun at dancing and I laugh a lot I used to be angry but dancing makes me better.'
Workshop/Training Participant
'When leading I feel in control, empowered, I feel really good about myself, a sense of friendship, bonding, happy.'
Workshop/Training Participant
'DanceSyndrome is good. I’m talking to more people and feeling more confident.'
Workshop/Training Participant
'DanceSyndrome is a truly wonderful and inspirational group... I’m so glad that we are all taking this journey together.'
Workshop/Training Participant
'In over 20 years, it’s the best activity I have ever seen. It’s exercise, but it’s also a lot of fun.' (Support Worker)
Workshop/Training Participant
'Someone said to me what a great workshop leader I was and that I could be an inspiration to other people, and that I was giving her son hope.'
Workshop/Training Participant
'I've grown in confidence since being part of DanceSyndrome, and through regular workshops that I lead and dance development days, I'm much more flexible physically... I've enjoyed learning new dance skills, and I'm more confident speaking because I practise this as a workshop leader... people understand me better now. It's been great being part of a team and travelling to new places that I might not otherwise see without DanceSyndome.'
Workshop/Training Participant

Feedback from Professionals

'I would like to thank you very much for participating so fully in the Leaders’ Quest Barclays Ops and Tech leadership programme last week. The feedback from participants on your session has been excellent. This was a wonderful visit. The group particularly enjoyed their meeting with Jen, Peter and Sophie and appreciated your taking the time to share your experiences and perspectives on DanceSyndrome. We all found the visit quite emotional and humbling. It was great to get us on our feet and the dance workshop you did with us was really impactful and memorable. The group came away from the visit thoroughly impressed by all of you as people, by the vision and scope of Dance Syndrome’s activities and by your presentation and the video of Jen winning her award. It felt like we were with her on that evening, such was the power of that relived experience.'
C. Maddox, Leaders Quest
‘What an inspiring young lady [Jen].’
Feedback from Leaders Quest Participant
'PWLD are at a greater risk of developing major health problems than the rest of the population - conditions that include respiratory and lung problems, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. DS promotes good health through dance, by encouraging people to come together and get moving who might not otherwise get the chance. As well as the many social benefits, movement and dance in itself improves circulation, muscle tone, and increases the pulse rate. This is an essential opportunity that people with learning disabilities so often lack, as many live fairly sedentary lives. Having the chance to move and dance on a regular basis contributes to improving the general health of this vulnerable group in a way that is fun and positive, thus increasing the life chances of people who have learning disabilities more in line with the general population.'
Learning Disability Nurse Lecturer, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, University of Salford.
'The Comensus (service user & carer group) at University of Central Lancashire have run a 1 in 4 Film Festival to raise awareness of Mental Health issues for 8 years. It is the only film festival run by service users and carers in Great Britain. At the opening of the event in October 2015, attended by the Mayor of Preston, a display was provided by Dance Syndrome and it was the most moving and inspirational event we have had.'
P Sullivan, Preston Carers Officer
'The workshops they provide for young people and adults with learning disabilities are ground-breaking, helping to build the person’s confidence and providing great social, health and well-being outcomes. Participants come away with more belief in their own abilities. Seeing Dance Leaders with a learning disability can only inspire the person to see what they can achieve. There is a definite need for organisations like DanceSyndrome in the community'
Adult Learning Disability Team, Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust
'Dance Syndrome's sessions have contributed so much to the development of our young people. Their inclusive approach towards movement is outstanding, meaning that every one of our participants has improved their physical abilities and knowledge of dance in a short space of time. In aspirational terms, for our young people to see a disabled person working professionally in the community it gives a great boost to how they view their future potential as leaders.'
J Patterson, So Many Words Theatre (Salford)
'I thought this was an amazing, powerful session! I took away a very strong learning message, possibly as a result of personal reflection on the days teaching, relating to the possibilities that are open to us when we are all included, and able to participate in mainstream activities and social interactions. I feel I took away some great insights into the power of connecting with others in alternative ways in order to enable this kind of inclusivity. Thank you for a great day that got me thinking deeply about my practice!'
Psychology student from Lancaster University
'DanceSyndrome is a truly inspirational opportunity for people with a learning disability; not only to learn to dance but also to become a dance leader. Co-production in practice.'
Community Catalysts
'DanceSyndrome were brilliant and positive'
Esther Rantzen, who worked with DanceSyndrome for Comic Relief
‘Amazing what Dance Syndrome has achieved with such little resources.’
Feedback from Leaders Quest Participant
‘They are such a wonderful team.’
Feedback from Leaders Quest Participant
‘This visit totally changed my perception of people with learning disabilities.’
Feedback from Leaders Quest Participant
‘Really humbling. I chose option 3 because of the dance and it exceeded all my expectations.’
Feedback from Leaders Quest Participant