DanceSyndrome wins double at International Business Awards

By Tim Aldred

15 Aug 2024

dancesyndrome.jpg

DanceSyndrome scored two gold Stevies at the 21st Annual International Business Awards.

The first was for the Accrington-based charity itself, which won in the “Organization of the Year - Non-Profit or Government Organizations – Small” category.

Co-founder and trustee Sue Blackwell was also recognised as the winner of the “Turning the World Upside Down” category.

DanceSyndrome uses dance to support people with and without learning disabilities. The multi award-winning charity was co-founded in 2009 by Sue Blackwell and her daughter Jen, who has Down's syndrome.

After leaving school, Jen found it difficult to find career opportunities in community dance that were accessible to people with learning disabilities, so DanceSyndrome was founded with the ethos that disability should never be a barrier to following your dreams.

All DanceSyndrome sessions are disability led, with people with learning disabilities taking visible dance leader roles to inspire people to see what can be achieved when we all become more inclusive.

The charity works across the North West offering weekly inclusive dance workshops, their own accredited leadership training and exceptional performances by the DS Collective performance company at a variety of events, including the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The International Business Awards are open to all individuals and organisations worldwide – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. The 2024 IBAs received entries from organisations in 62 nations and territories. Winners will be celebrated during a gala banquet at the InterContinental Hotel in Istanbul, Türkiye on Friday 11 October 2024.

More than 3,600 nominations from organisations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year. Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 300 executives worldwide who participated in the judging process in June and July.

Judges shared comments about why they felt DanceSyndrome was a worthy winner of the award: “DanceSyndrome's journey is truly remarkable, showcasing exceptional dedication to inclusivity and empowerment. From national awards to pioneering initiatives with NHS, their impact on breaking stereotypes and fostering community integration through dance is both inspiring and profound.

“Your entry is incredibly inspiring and demonstrates a transformative impact on individuals and communities. The significant funding and recognition you've received reflect your dedication and excellence."

The judges added: "Sue Blackwell's commitment to championing the rights and potential of individuals with learning disabilities is notable. She provides a voice to those often unheard, demonstrates the transformative power of support, and she's dedicated to respecting human rights, and fostering opportunities and supporting aspirations for all.”

Enjoyed this? Read more from Tim Aldred

Latest news

1

University of Central Lancashire celebrates hat-trick of wins at Educate North Awards University of Central Lancashire winners at Educate North Award Winners 2025

University of Central Lancashire celebrates hat-trick of wins at Educate North Awards

04 Apr 2025

2

The Villa’s sister venue shuts its doors The Villa Levens and The VillaWrea Green (Image credit: The Villa Levens and The Villa Wrea Green)

The Villa’s sister venue shuts its doors

04 Apr 2025

3

PM urged not to retaliate over tariffs Manufacturing

PM urged not to retaliate over tariffs

03 Apr 2025

4

CMAC Group appoints Matthew Ratcliffe as chief operating officer Matthew Ratcliffe CMAC

CMAC Group appoints Matthew Ratcliffe as chief operating officer

03 Apr 2025

5

For sale signs at The Villa Villa Wrea Green has been brought to market (Image credit: The Villa Wrea Green)

For sale signs at The Villa

02 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
24 Apr 2025 - 24 Apr 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

People Power: Exclusive Event Series
Stay ahead in 2025.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
29 Apr 2025 - 29 Apr 2025

People Power: Exclusive Event Series

People's History Museum, Manchester, M3 3ER

17:00 - 21:00

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships
30478 Skills Bootcamp open day setting.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships

University of Central Lancashire, Preston , PR1 2HE

14:30 - 15:30

Celebrating 50 years of KTP
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Celebrating 50 years of KTP

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

16:00 - 18:00

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase
13421_research_knowledge_exchange_2025_600x300.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
07 May 2025 - 08 May 2025

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Business Support Showcase: Collaborate, Innovate, Grow
Student Centre Autumn 2022.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
08 May 2025 - 08 May 2025

Business Support Showcase: Collaborate, Innovate, Grow

University of Central Lancashire, Preston , PR1 2HE

11:00 - 13:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin