Julie Nicholson, managing director of DanceSyndrome discusses why inclusion is part of every bit of the organisation.
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Inclusion is built into the heart of DanceSyndrome, It's built into every part of the fabric and values of what we do in every part of the organisation; it is not just a bolt-on.

Founded in 2009 after Sue Blackwell and her daughter Jen had spent 10 fruitless years searching for the right support and training for Jen to follow her dreams of being a community dance leader. Jen has Down’s syndrome and the family have always focused on what’s possible. Jen says, “my disability doesn’t define me”. Nor should it. There should be no barriers that prevent people from pursuing their dreams and living full and purposeful lives.

Consciously building inclusion

Consciously building inclusion means that Jen’s voice is just as important as that of a dance artist she’s working with. The two work together to create choreography, to lead a workshop, or inspire a conference room with a magical duet. Every part of what we do shows what’s possible for people so often excluded by society and hidden from view, when they have the right support to explore their passions, respected for being themselves.

Sue and Jen never knew what was possible when they started DanceSyndrome, bringing together seven people with learning disabilities and seven Dance Artists in a hall to see what could be achieved through dancing together. They never had goals as such, just the simple desire for Jen and others like her to be recognized for being individuals with skills, passions and dreams and the ability to contribute to society.

Recognition for building inclusively

The number of awards the organisation and Jen have received, including an honorary degree and British Empire Medal for Jen, a Lifetime achievement award for Sue and a Gold International Stevie award for DanceSyndrome show that others recognise the enormity of what we’ve achieved.

When the Foundation of Nursing Studies (FONS) asked us to deliver Inclusion in Action training to 180 in-patient NHS ward managers across the country we had no idea the impact it would make. Co-led by one of our Dance Leaders with a learning disability the power of learning with and from someone with lived experience has been the biggest takeaway by participants. The commitments from people in the room to think differently about the space and service they offer in their areas has opened up conversations putting people at the heart of them.

Inclusivity ripple effect.

We also know that these encounters and conversations are having ripple effects through families, communities, businesses and organisations asking challenging questions about what’s possible. When one person feels like they belong, there is an immediate impact on those around them.

When you consciously put inclusion at the heart of what you do you are saying that every person matters. Equity and respect are the foundations whatever the title, label or perceived ability of the people in the room or in the dance space.

We believe building on inclusion makes the difference. It will take time, money and energy making inclusion matter from the ground up, but the benefits to society, social care budgets and individuals and their families who have been previously pushed aside, told they don’t matter is huge.

Consciously building an inclusivity revolution

We will continue to turn things upside down, respecting every individual’s hopes and dreams, sharing what’s possible when we put inclusion at the heart of everything; transforming lives by creating communities that matter to those who choose to join in and make a difference.

DanceSyndrome offers training and consultancy to any organisation to support the process of consciously building on inclusion. Our kitemark is available for organisations wanting to use ‘Everybody Dance’ as a tool for engaging community change. Our DanceSyndrome Artists share professional outstanding acclaimed dance contributions and inspires and moves people to create positive change wherever they go.

Contact Julie Nicholson, Managing Director julie@dancesyndrome.co.uk
Website: www.dancesyndrome.co.uk

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