Deaf Can Dance – The Story So Far…
There was a seed to grow a community – deaf people dancing.
The seed was planted by deaf artists Medina Sumovic and Anna Seymour to run hip hop workshops for deaf people. The workshops were led by Deaf Arts Network Ambassador Demi Sorono who in 2008 was in the Top 4 in TV’s ‘So You Think You Can Dance’.
As a result of these initial workshops, a group of 4 dancers were invited to perform at the Victorian Council of Deaf People (VCOD) State Deaf Conference Gala Dinner event – their first public performance! The 200-strong audience, which included many international deaf visitors, were enraptured!
Initial funding received from the City of Melbourne and VicHealth allowed the dancers to further develop the Deaf Can Dance troupe as a force to be reckoned with.
2008
Deaf Can Dance performs its groundbreaking show ‘Sound of Silence’ to sell-out audiences at the 2008 Melbourne Fringe Festival. ‘Sound of Silence’ features choreography by Gerard Veltre, Artistic Director, Phunktional Dance Company, with Medina Sumovic as Dramaturge.
Audience member Guy Pierce becomes a Deaf Can Dance fan!
2009
The Vodafone Foundation World of Difference Program funds Deaf Arts Network enabling program coordinator Ross Onley-Zerkel to become full-time at Arts Access Victoria, managing Deaf Can Dance and helping to further establish the company.
Beyond Blue and ANZ Trustees fund Deaf Can Dance to perform at the 4th World Congress on Mental Health & Deafness Gala Dinner event in Brisbane 2009. In preparation for the performance, dancers work with renowned UK choreographer Jo Dunbar to create a new work, ‘Resonance’.
The Beyond Blue and ANZ Trustees funding also allows Deaf Can Dance to deliver dance workshops in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
In December 2009, Deaf Can Dance is invited to perform at the launch of Arts Victoria’s Disability Action Plan on International Day for Persons with a Disability.
Additional Performances
March 2009 Art of Difference Festival, Gasworks Theatre; Phunktional Showcase
June 2009 ‘Take Four’, Ausdance Dance Awards, BMW Edge, Federation Square
2010
In just a few short years, Deaf Can Dance has evolved and grown into one of Australia’s premier deaf dance troupes.
The Deaf Can Dance Company comprises a team of committed deaf dancers, a deaf Dramaturge, a hard of hearing Visual & Sound Engineer – and many wonderful supporters.
Part of Deaf Can Dance Company’s mission is to assist with the prevention of mental health issues that approximately 800,000 people with a hearing loss are currently experiencing, from chronic isolation to depression.
In 2010, Deaf Can Dance will continue to perform, deliver dance workshops and network with dance and arts organisations.
