DanceSyndrome to present six new dance works at The Lowry

Artists from Lancashire-based Arts charity DanceSyndrome are preparing to take to the stage at The Lowry in November with a one-night-only performance of six brand new dance pieces.

ORIGIN: A Mixed Bill will take place at The Lowry’s Quays Theatre on Thursday 19th November 2026 at 7pm. It brings together six newly commissioned works developed through the charity’s iCreate project, in collaboration with diverse international choreographers.

The project began with a simple question: “What do you want to create?” Over three years, Artists have explored their own ideas and developed original work, with support spanning choreography, music, lighting, staging and performance. ORIGIN brings those individual creative voices together in a varied evening of dance.

Each piece has been developed by a different choreographer and co-created in collaboration with DanceSyndrome, has its own unique style and themes, creating an evening of varied, thought-provoking and uplifting dance performances. The choreographers include John Burrow, Josh Hawkins, Maiya Leeke, Dai Matsuoka and Kelly McClelland.

DanceSyndrome was founded in 2009 by Jen Blackwell, who has Down's syndrome, after she faced many barriers to accessing career opportunities in dance due to her learning disability. The multi-award-winning charity creates opportunities for people with learning disabilities to perform, choreograph and lead, and challenges perceptions about disability through its inclusive approach. Inclusion and access are central to ORIGIN.

Sophie Tickle, Artistic Director at DanceSyndrome said “We want people who come to see ORIGIN to feel they have had a unique experience that they could only get from a DanceSyndrome performance. We have carefully considered every aspect of the show to balance artistic vision with accessibility. There will be BSL Interpretation and Touch Tour, Audio Description, a Visual Story, both audio and written programme notes and relaxed elements to the show. We want to make sure everyone in our audience can access and engage with these varied dance pieces in a safe, supportive environment.

“The performers are experienced Artists with disabilities and professional Dance Artists who have worked with DanceSyndrome for several years. Together they bring a wealth of experience, creativity and individuality to the stage, creating performances that are both technically accomplished and deeply authentic. We are very proud of both the dance pieces and the accessibility of the event and we hope that audiences will leave feeling that they have experienced a new approach to dance performance.”

Audiences are invited to arrive from 6pm to learn more about the iCreate project, visit the pre-show access table and enjoy a foyer performance by the DS Youth Collective.

Tickets cost £21, or £18 for concessions.
Complimentary essential companion tickets are available through The Lowry’s access scheme.
For access bookings, call 0161 876 2183.
Tickets are available through The Lowry’s website: www.thelowry.com/whats-on/origin-a-mixed-bill-b59t