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Jen Blackwell leads and inspires her multi-award winning charity DanceSyndrome where leaders from unexpected places flourish and everyone belongs as equals.
Jen (42) happens to have Down’s syndrome. From being written off at birth Jen contributes to society in extraordinary ways. Leading by example Jen shows what’s possible with the right support and opportunities. Her mantra is a Dream, Believe, Achieve and wants everyone to be able to fulfil their dreams.
Jen left mainstream school at 18 with mainstream aspirations but nowhere to go. No-one valued her as a unique individual with skills, talents and dreams. Aged 21 Jen stated her wish I have the right to a life of my choosing. Dance is my life and my passion. My future lies in dance.
After 10 years, Jen was frustrated by the search yet determined to follow her dream of being a dancer and a Dance Leader believing anything is possible. DanceSyndrome was founded by the Blackwells in 2009 with 14 dancers coming together to explore the possibilities of people with and without learning disabilities working together through dance. Since those early days thousands of lives have been transformed through the work of DanceSyndrome and Jen’s tireless desire to get the world dancing.
In 2023, Jen was accepted as a Fellow of the RSA, and recognized for her services to Disabled People in the King’s Birthday Honours with a British Empire Medal (BEM). In 2024 Jen was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Salford.
Jen has been described as determined, focused, passionate, positive, energetic, inspirational, talented and confident and is the recipient of numerous awards.
Jen and DanceSyndrome have performed at The Lowry, Edinburgh Fringe, TV appearances, and big and small events across the country, with Jen co-leading inspiring speeches to huge and small audiences.
Jen is a dancer. Dance is her language of choice. Dance empowers Jen to be herself. Jen is driven by her mission to share hope and infectious happiness through inclusive innovation in all parts of her life.
Jen loves playing her flute, karate, skiing and her independence to live behind her own front door.
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