Over 50 staff and patients at The Harbour were delighted to be joined by DanceSyndrome for an interactive flash mob performance.
The performance was organised to mark the start of Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week, a national campaign to help people to understand what life is like for people who have Down’s syndrome. The awareness week is celebrated to encourage society to become more inclusive in the way that they treat people with the condition.
The theme this year is “with us not for us” which is something DanceSyndrome feels passionately about as they aim to put this into practice every day through their inclusive dance work.
Created in 2009 by Jen Blackwell, DanceSyndrome is a multi-award winning inclusive dance charity based in Lancashire with a special focus on including everyone, regardless of ability. Their work inspires and empowers both dancers and audiences to believe that opportunities are endless for people who refuse to be defined by disability.
Today’s performance included hits such as Green Green Grass, Eye of the Tiger, 500 Miles and I’m your Lady. The sessions are based on movement, with dance leaders leading the routines, emphasis is placed on there being no right or wrong way to dance. Participants are encouraged to enjoy themselves and move however they feel comfortable.
During the session, Paul Jebb, Associate Chief Nurse, Patient Experience, Engagement and Safeguarding, commented:
“As a Trust we wanted to acknowledge the start of Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week and we were delighted that DanceSyndrome could help us with that. Starting the week with an upbeat dancing and movement session that promotes inclusivity and wellbeing ties in perfectly.
It was great to see so many of our staff and service users dancing together, we know movement and dance can improve mental wellbeing so this has been a great start to the week.”
The flash mob ended with the iconic and uplifting, Time of my Life, which left everyone feeling energised, smiling and cemented the feelings of togetherness.
After their performance, Jen Blackwell, Creative Founder and Director of Dance Syndrome said:
“I’m currently feeling a little speechless, sharing this session with you has been really special. It means so much to me and my fellow dancers to have these opportunities to share our passion with you so thank you for welcoming us this morning.”
