A collaboration of charities across the North, including Down Syndrome Groups and inclusive dance organisations, is launching Danceathon: 21 Days of Dance, a mass‑participation campaign celebrating that everyone can enjoy dancing, regardless of age or ability.
This is an opportunity for local organisations, schools, workplaces, and community groups to get involved and share with their audiences.
What is Danceathon?
A 21‑day challenge (1st to 21st March) encouraging people to build movement into daily life, from tapping your feet at your desk to joining a local dance group, learning a routine online, or taking part in a workplace challenge.
Who is it for?
Everyone. The campaign is fully inclusive and designed to be accessible for all ages and abilities.
Content You Can Share With Your Audience
Daily Invitations to Move
From 1st to the 21st March, the organisers will release daily online audio and video prompts to inspire small moments of movement. These have been created by choreographer George Adams (Let People Move) and animated by Courtney McCarthy.
Organisations are welcome to share these via their newsletters, social media, or internal comms.
Local radio stations are also invited to air the audio prompts. Contact Debs Thompson danceathon2026@gmail.com or call 07517 916866.
Dance Snacks Shareable Short Videos
The team has created a collection of short, accessible dance videos (“Dance Snacks”) that challenge perceptions around disability and dance. These involve creative collaborations with musicians and dancers from Brazil, Lancaster, and across the North West.
You can follow and share content via:
- Instagram: @Danceathon
- Facebook: @Danceathon
- YouTube: @Danceathon2026
Why 21 Days?
The campaign highlights how small, daily actions can form new habits while also celebrating chromosome 21, marking World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March.
Ways Your Organisation Can Get Involved
You can encourage your audiences to:
- Set up a fundraising page for a chosen charity or organisation (takes around 3 minutes).
- Donate directly to one of the partner charities.
- Join local dance events, particularly on 8th March the National Day of Dance.
Organisations can also take part themselves by setting their own 21‑day movement challenge.
Partner Toolkit (Free to Download & Share)
A full set of promotional resources is available, including:
- Public flyer
- Workplace/school flyers
- Launch pack
- EasyRead materials
- Logos and social media graphics
- Ambassador pack
- Information pack
- A dance‑along class video led by Claire, a dance leader from North Lancashire Down Syndrome Group
These can all be shared with your communities to help promote the campaign
