New accessible dance sessions launching in Chorley

DanceSyndrome is a multi-award winning dance charity that was founded in 2009 by Chorley resident Jen Blackwell, who has Down's syndrome. Jen and her parents found it difficult to find opportunities in community dance that were accessible to people with learning disabilities. Jen wanted to co-lead community dances sessions without her disability being a barrier, so DanceSyndrome developed a co-production model where Dance Leaders with Learning Disabilities work in equal partnership with professional Dance Artists to create dance activities that are accessible to everyone. This co-production approach is fundamental to DanceSyndrome’s success because it encourages people with and without disabilities to think differently about what people can achieve, when given the right support.

DanceSyndrome has received funding from The National Lottery Community Fund for a project called “Pathways to Thrive” which will create opportunities for children of all abilities to take part in accessible dance sessions at all stages of their development, leading up to joining the charity’s existing sessions for adults. In the first phase of this project, they are launching two new sessions for children and young people in the Chorley area.

Everybody Dance: Juniors is aimed at children aged 7-11 years old, while Everybody Dance: Teens is for 11-14 year olds. They are both fully inclusive, accessible dance sessions suitable for all different abilities. DanceSyndrome’s trained dancers, both with and without learning disabilities, will work alongside each other to offer dance activities that can be adapted to suit the individual needs of all participants.

The sessions will run on Tuesdays from 24th February at Astley Park School. Everybody Dance: Juniors session will run from 3:15pm to 4:15pm, with Everybody Dance: Teens following at 4:30pm to 5:30pm. Each session costs £5 per child. Children of all abilities and experience levels are welcome. Any individuals who need support or care during the session are absolutely welcomed and there is no additional cost for supporters/carers.

DanceSyndrome Managing Director Julie Nicholson said “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has supported us to create accessible opportunities for children and young people of all abilities to enjoy the amazing health and wellbeing benefits of dance and movement. This is so important because we regularly hear from families whose children absolutely love to dance and feel huge benefits from it, but find it difficult to access mainstream activities. Everyone in society benefits when people of all abilities are supported and included. We want to put that into practice from a young age, so that families can feel connected with their communities and access the life-changing opportunities that dance can bring.”

If your child would like to join DanceSyndrome in Chorley, you can find all the details about the sessions at www.dancesyndrome.co.uk/cyp.

If you know of an adult who would be interested in Everybody Dance sessions, there are still a limited number of places available at sessions across Lancashire. Visit the DanceSyndrome website for details of days, times, and locations.