DanceSyndrome Honoured with High Sheriff's Award for Transformative Inclusive Dance Programs
Lancashire-based inclusive dance charity DanceSyndrome has been celebrated with a prestigious award at the High Sheriff's Awards ceremony, held recently at the University of Lancashire. This recognition highlights the charity's exceptional efforts in using dance to create opportunities for individuals with and without learning disabilities to learn, lead, and perform together, profoundly impacting lives across the region.
Empowering Through Co-Led Dance Sessions
DanceSyndrome is dedicated to fostering joy, hope, and accessibility for people with learning disabilities and their families, who often face barriers in participating in mainstream activities. The charity's innovative approach involves co-led sessions where individuals with learning disabilities take on visible dance leader roles, collaborating with professional dance artists to deliver high-quality, inclusive activities. These sessions are conducted in person throughout Lancashire and also reach a national audience online via Zoom, ensuring broad accessibility.
Through these dance programs, the organisation empowers participants to believe in their abilities and pursue their ambitions, reinforcing that disabilities should never hinder one's dreams. The High Sheriff, as the King's representative in Lancashire for judicial and law enforcement matters, plays a crucial role in supporting the voluntary sector, including groups like DanceSyndrome.
Award Ceremony and Recognition
Each year, High Sheriffs present awards to deserving groups or individuals during their term. The current High Sheriff of Lancashire (2025-2026), James Carter DL, awarded 17 honours this year, with DanceSyndrome being one of the recipients at the celebratory event in Preston. The High Sheriff first encountered the charity at a carol service in Blackpool in December 2024 and later witnessed their performances at events like Let's Grow in Preston. He also visited a weekly Company Class at Plungington Community Centre, invited by DanceSyndrome ambassador Becky Rich.
Announcing the award, the High Sheriff praised DanceSyndrome for its transformational groundbreaking work in enhancing the lives of those with Down's Syndrome and other learning disabilities through music and dance. He noted that the charity provides enjoyment and delivers change through inclusive dance, with all sessions being disability-led, showcasing the power of inclusivity. He specifically commended Becky Rich for her enthusiastic participation and fundraising efforts.
Reactions from DanceSyndrome Leaders
Julie Nicholson, managing director of DanceSyndrome, expressed pride in the charity's impact, stating that being a visible presence in Lancashire communities effectively challenges perceptions of what people with learning disabilities can achieve with proper support. She highlighted the co-production model, with ambassador Becky Rich playing a key role in introducing the High Sheriff to their work.
Becky Rich, a dance leader and ambassador, shared her excitement about receiving the award with fellow dance leader Eliza Boothby at the University of Lancashire. She emphasized the importance of raising awareness about their community work and expressed her love for the role.
DanceSyndrome continues to offer sessions, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support their mission, encouraging engagement through their social media channels.
