Woman honoured for disability dance school dream

Jen Blackwell was made a Doctor of Arts by the University of Salford

A woman with Down's syndrome who set up a dance school for people with disabilities has been awarded an honorary degree.

Jen Blackwell, from Chorley, Lancashire, founded Dance Syndrome in 2009 after finding she had no opportunities to teach.

Fifteen years on, it is now a registered charity and trains dancers to take charge of lessons.

Ms Blackwell, who was made a Doctor of Arts by the University of Salford, where she regularly leads workshops, said: "Everyone, with the right support can dream, believe and achieve."

The 42-year-old has always loved dance but said when she decided she wanted to teach there was no work for people with learning disabilities.

So she decided to set up her own inclusive dance school with the help of her family, with the ethos that disability should never be a barrier to following a passion.

'Driving force'

"Dance to me is a driving force," Ms Blackwell said.

"The University of Salford has helped me spread my message that anyone can have fun moving their body, in whatever way is available to them.

"I'm so honoured. Right now I'm living life in the fast lane."

Ms Blackwell said she felt setting up the dance school was her destiny.

"I was born to lead. I was born strong. I was born to be the founder and director," she said.

"My disability does not define me. I'm proud of who I am."

She was nominated for the honour by her friend and lecturer Sarah Kennedy, who helped her set up Dance Syndrome.

Ms Kennedy said: "The award demonstrates that with the right support, people with learning disabilities can be leaders.

"Dance Syndrome works because everything that they do is in partnership with people with learning disabilities.

"It is wonderful the university recognises the importance of this and Jen’s pivotal part in it."