Feeling the beat

March 20, 2022 12:51 PM

Choreographer Antoine Hunter is Deaf. Going to a ballet performance as a kid was the first time Hunter felt in sync with the world instead of isolated and alone. "But this time, I could be in the same rhythm as everyone else." During the pandemic, Hunter taught a40 minute dance class in ASL as part of the #stayFRESHatHOME series. In 2021, the choreographer also partnered with the New Century Chamber Orchestra for the Resonance Series. For people hard of hearing who just want to hit the dance floor, DJ Troi Lee launched Deaf Rave back in 2003 in the UK.
posted by spamandkimchi (6 comments total)

I just shared this with an Oakland resident, ASL studying, African American, former dancer, friend of mine. I think she may explode with feels. thanks!!
posted by supermedusa at 1:04 PM on March 20, 2022 [1 favorite]

That's amazing, Thanks for sharing.
posted by signal at 1:13 PM on March 20, 2022

Hunter in the Chronicle: “Dance itself has no discrimination. You don’t need music to dance. Dance doesn’t start with your ears; it starts with your heart. You feel it from your heart — and you move.”
posted by roger ackroyd at 1:17 PM on March 20, 2022 [2 favorites]

I've met more than a few deaf people on the floors of dance clubs that have strong bass systems. They've told me they love participating in spaces like that (admittedly a self-selected sample). Seems logical to me, really. Without dancing I'm not sure I feel like I'm alive, and I'm glad everyone can find it.
posted by hippybear at 2:35 PM on March 20, 2022

Of course there is also the career of Evelyn Glennie the deaf Scottish percussionist who says she can hear all sorts of details (including pitch information) by feeling it.

I like his quote that you don't need music for dance though. It seems like it would be a canny move for him to specialize in (virtually) silent dance.
posted by anhedonic at 5:25 PM on March 20, 2022

Previously
posted by Toddles at 7:51 PM on March 20, 2022