Step Ahead for Dancer with Down Syndrome

An up and coming Cheshire dancer with Down Syndrome says he has 'found his purpose' and is now set on a professional career in dance.

Ben Wilson, 21, was named an associate artist at Cheshire Dance in 2023 and has won a coveted place on a training programme for d/DEAF, disabled, and neurodivergent dancers with Frontline Dance in Stoke on Trent.

Since starting his training, Ben, who has been dancing since he was 13, has also discovered a talent for choreography. He will premiere his new dance piece, ‘Step Ahead’, at Now Northwich Festival on May 3.

The work is suitable for audiences of all ages and explores themes around friendships and relationships. It features different styles of dance including contemporary and hip hop and even some poetry.

"Being a Cheshire Dance associate dancer means so much to me,” said Ben.

“I get to work with different teachers and dance artists and have time to really develop my career in dance.

"Before this, I didn’t know that I could become a dancer or a choreographer. Cheshire Dance has shown me that this is an option for me.

"Dancing makes me feel free and lets me express all kinds of emotions, both good and bad. I love the freedom of it: it’s like a fire inside. It means I can express my emotions, and it helps me to deal with things that can be difficult for me.

"I believe that lots of different types of people and bodies can dance, no matter how different they are!"

Ben Wilson’s Step Ahead is at Now Northwich on Saturday, May 3. Visit https://nownorthwich.co.uk/ for further information.