Many people would last suspect a deaf individual to take up dancing. However, many people in the Deaf community find joy in this artform. Dance is an emotional outlet for these individuals allowing them to express themselves in some means other than verbal communication.
Gallaudet University, a private university for the Deaf and hard of hearing, even has a dance company for deaf and hard of hearing students. Those dancers with residual hearing may be able to pick up cues from the music (ie bass tones); other dancers rely on visual counting to establish a basic rhythm pattern. Dancers of the Gallaudet University also have a refined eye watching and following the movement of a fellow dancer who may have more residual hearing and be more adept at following the music. Having an inner sense of timing for a certain dance takes hours and hours of practice but can certainly be achieved.
The American Deaf Dance Company is also comprised of deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Many times the company's dances are not accompanied by music. This places much more emphasis on dance as movement of the body separate from distractions such as music or song.
Included is a link about dancer Nina Falaise. She has had a tremendous career as a ballerina and dance teacher despite being deaf. Nina's story is one of determination and passion; she is proof that those with disabilities are capable of doing absolutely anything they set their mind on. Also is a youtube video about Jarrell - a man who is a deaf and dances.
Gallaudet University, a private university for the Deaf and hard of hearing, even has a dance company for deaf and hard of hearing students. Those dancers with residual hearing may be able to pick up cues from the music (ie bass tones); other dancers rely on visual counting to establish a basic rhythm pattern. Dancers of the Gallaudet University also have a refined eye watching and following the movement of a fellow dancer who may have more residual hearing and be more adept at following the music. Having an inner sense of timing for a certain dance takes hours and hours of practice but can certainly be achieved.
The American Deaf Dance Company is also comprised of deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Many times the company's dances are not accompanied by music. This places much more emphasis on dance as movement of the body separate from distractions such as music or song.
Included is a link about dancer Nina Falaise. She has had a tremendous career as a ballerina and dance teacher despite being deaf. Nina's story is one of determination and passion; she is proof that those with disabilities are capable of doing absolutely anything they set their mind on. Also is a youtube video about Jarrell - a man who is a deaf and dances.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/8051385/Born-deaf-but-also-born-to-dance.html