The inspiring work of Lancashire based charity DanceSyndrome was recognised at a national level this week when their Dancer Leader team was announced as a finalist in The People's Award at the National

Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards.

The awards, which will take place on Friday 28th June at the ICC, Birmingham, exist to celebrate excellence in the support for people with learning disabilities and aim to pay tribute to those individuals

or organisations who excel in providing quality provision.

DanceSyndrome is an inclusive arts charity that aims to inform and empower people through dance.  The charity, founded by dancer Jen Blackwell who happens to have Down's syndrome, provides creative

and fun learning opportunities for anyone who wants to improve their physical health and personal wellbeing. DanceSyndrome's community workshops take place across Lancashire and are led by members of the Dance Leader team who are all trained through the charity's

own unique training course, Dance By Example, which is designed to give people with and without disabilities the confidence and skills to co-lead community dance workshops.

The Dance Leader team was nominated for The People's Award and were interviewed by the judging panel on 16th May. This award will be presented to an individual or team of people with autism or a learning

disability. It is designed to celebrate individuals or organisations who offer exceptional encouragement and support for individuals with learning disabilities and or autism in providing support services and or personal development and inclusion. DanceSyndrome

actively promotes the importance of improving inclusion in dance and all aspects of life. The charity aims to challenge perceptions of disability by empowering dancers to become more visible and active citizens.

The Dance Leaders were thrilled to hear that they had been shortlisted for the award, particularly because the full performance team will be providing entertainment on the evening too, with a full

team performance for the other ceremony guests to enjoy.

DanceSyndrome Managing Director Dawn Vickers said "We are so proud of our Dance Leaders! They are such a hard working, dedicated group of people who have a real passion for dance. The fact that many

of them have overcome difficulties to achieve their ambitions of becoming Dance Leaders is truly inspiring and we hope that people will see them dancing and be inspired to follow their own dreams, whether that is in dance or other areas."

Lisa Carr, Editor of Care Talk magazine who host the event, said: “The awards acknowledge and champion the amazing work done each day in the care sector to support people living with learning disabilities

and autism. The people nominated for these awards represent the social care sector at its very best, and they enable people to live rich and fulfilling lives. We are thrilled to be able to recognise the unsung heroes in our communities.”

If you would like more information about DanceSyndrome please contact the team via email at