Andrew Self came to prominence on the TV Show the Greatest Dancer and he moved the judges and audience with his absolute love for dance. Andrew has Down’s Syndrome but he calls it Dance Syndrome.
On the 22nd July Andrew took part in the Dancer’s Boogie-thon!15 different dance styles, switching every 1.5 minutes, raising money for the 1.5m people in the UK with a learning disability. To find out more about the event click on the following link facebook.com/Mencap
On the fundraising page Andrew says the following:
My Dancing Story
I fell in love with dance after watching Strictly Come Dancing at the age 11. I copied what the dancers were doing and shortly after, my mum enrolled me in dance classes. I loved everything about the TV show – the music, the outfits, the glamour but of course, the dancing was my favourite bit. I taught myself both the male and female parts because I didn’t have a dance partner at the time and became my own Captain of Dance. Last year I applied for The Greatest Dancer and was on the TV dancing to Justin Timberlake – it was so brilliant when the mirrors opened in 35 seconds which was the fastest time of the series. I loved performing for everyone.
I have Down’s syndrome, but I like to call it Dance Syndrome – my disability has never stopped me from following my dreams. I dance because it makes me feel joyful and free. So, next Wednesday 22nd July I will be hosting my very own “Boogie-thon” where I will be performing 15 different styles of dance; switching every 1.5 minutes. I am really looking forward to combining all my favourite dance styles into one. I think the Jive is going to be my favourite.
Move For Mencap
My “Boogie-thon” is raising money for the 1.5 million people in UK who like me have a learning disability and need support now more than ever. Mencap is the UK’s leading learning disability charity and they are asking people to take on their own Move for Mencap challenge – this could be any challenge based on the number 1.5! The money raised from this will help people who have a learning disability so they have the same opportunities as everyone else to live their lives as they wish.
It’s going to be loads of fun and you can also get involved too by joining in with my Boogie-thon or hosting your own on another day, just go to www.mencap.org.uk/moveformencap to sign up!
About Mencap
We give expert advice and information that empowers people and their families. And we campaign relentlessly for changes that bring greater equality for people with a learning disability.
By supporting Team Mencap you will be helping us to support people with a learning disability to live the life they choose, and do the things they love.
Through Virgin Money Giving, you can sponsor me and donations will be quickly processed and passed to Mencap.
Virgin Money Giving is a not for profit organisation and will claim gift aid on a charity’s behalf where the donor is eligible for this.
Andrew has highlighted his event on national television and despite his difficulty with speech the love of dance was absolutely clear to everyone. As soon as the music played then his body started to move and the whole time his enthusiasm just lit up everything around. After his event, which was held yesterday, Andrew has already raised almost £10,500. A remarkable achievement by a remarkable young man!! Watching him will certainly inspire you and start to get those toes tapping!!
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