DanceSyndrome, a charity based in Lancashire, has been invited to Japan to share their unique approach in supporting people with learning disabilities to become leaders. The invitation is part of a pioneering project to promote inclusion in Japanese society.
DanceSyndrome’s aim is to transform lives and create change by providing opportunities and joy to people with learning disabilities, as well as their families. Through inclusive dance, the organization empowers individuals with and without learning disabilities to believe in their abilities and pursue their dreams, without letting their disability become a barrier.
One of the key aspects of DanceSyndrome’s approach is co-leadership. People with learning disabilities co-lead dance sessions and take on visible leadership roles, inspiring others to see what can be achieved through inclusivity. All sessions are co-produced with professional Dance Artists and trained and qualified Dance Leaders with learning disabilities, creating high-quality and enjoyable sessions for everyone.
Their work has gained national recognition, with partnerships with organizations such as NHS England and the Foundation of Nursing Studies. They have also received funding from the National Lottery Community Foundation and Arts Council England.
Recently, DanceSyndrome has achieved international success by winning a Gold Award in the 2024 International Stevie Awards as a non-profit or government ‘Organization of the Year.’ This recognition has led to an invitation from Tokyo to share their co-production methodology and promote inclusivity in dance activities.
The invitation came after an international student from the University of Central Lancashire, Ayuko Hara, volunteered with DanceSyndrome and shared her experience with Dai Matsuoka, who works for LAND FES, an organization that promotes inclusive dance in Japan. Funding for the project has been secured from Arts Council Tokyo, allowing four members of the DanceSyndrome team to travel to Japan in November 2024 for a 10-day visit.
LAND FES has observed a lack of inclusive dance workshops in Japan and a need to create opportunities for people with disabilities to learn and lead in dance and other aspects of society. They believe that through this collaboration with DanceSyndrome, they can deepen the understanding of inclusivity and its value in Japanese culture.
Dai Matsuoka from LAND FES expressed his excitement for the collaboration, saying, “I feel very honoured and thrilled that we have been able to invite DanceSyndrome members to Tokyo this November. As an organization that is committed to developing and promoting inclusive dance in Japan, LAND FES will benefit so much from this international collaboration project.”
Julie Nicholson, DanceSyndrome Managing Director, also shared her enthusiasm for the project, saying, “Our mission is to go out into the world and demonstrate that people with learning disabilities are able to be dancers and leaders or anything else that they want to be, as long as they are given the right support and opportunities to do that.”
John Burrow, a Dance Leader at DanceSyndrome, will be part of the team traveling to Japan. He expressed his excitement, saying, “I’m excited to be going to Japan to share the Dance By Example workshops that I co-deliver here in the UK. Through DanceSyndrome, I’ve gained social life, friends, and a new outlook on my life. I’m looking forward to being able to share that with new people in Japan too!”
The DanceSyndrome representatives will be in Japan from 1st to 10th November 2024. Updates and photos from the trip will be shared on the charity’s social media channels. You can follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube at @DanceSyndromeUK.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.