An inclusive dance charity has won two gold awards at the 2024 International Business Awards.

Northwest-based DanceSyndrome won the Gold Stevie Award for Organization of the Year – Small Nonprofit or Government.

Co-founder and trustee Sue Blackwell also received the Gold Stevie Award in the “Turning the World Upside Down” category.

The awards were announced on August 14.

DanceSyndrome was co-founded in 2009 by Sue Blackwell and her daughter Jen Blackwell, who has Down syndrome.

Jen Blackwell (Image: Gray Hughes)

The charity was founded to provide career opportunities in community dance for people with learning disabilities.

All DanceSyndrome sessions are led by people with learning disabilities, with people with learning disabilities taking on visible dance leadership roles.

The charity offers weekly inclusive dance workshops, accredited leadership training and performances by the DS Collective at various events including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The International Business Awards received submissions from organizations in 62 countries and territories.

This year, more than 3,600 nominations were submitted.

Stevie Awards President Maggie Miller said: “We have long considered the International Business Awards to be the ‘Olympics of work’ and this year’s competition is the best proof of that ever.”

“The winners have demonstrated that their organizations have set and achieved high goals.”

For more information about DanceSyndrome’s work, visit dancesyndrome.co.uk.

Jen Blackwell, founder of DanceSyndrome, has received significant recognition for her contribution to the charity, including an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Salford in July 2024 and a British Empire Medal for Services to Disabled People in June 2023.

Jen Blackwell receives her BEM from the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, Mrs. Amanda Parker (Image: DanceSyndrome)

She said: “The awards show that people with learning disabilities can achieve amazing things in their lives if given a chance.”

“I have Down syndrome, but that doesn’t define me.

“I believe that everyone can dance and do the things they love, no matter how others define us.”