Creative Connections: Deaf Street Dance in Lockdown

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PROJECT: Kinetic Connectivity: Deaf Street Dance in Lockdown
ARTIST: Billy Read

Billy is a Deaf performing artist who specialises in Hip Hop theatre and street dance. With Ariel Fung, a deaf dancer from Hong Kong, Billy created a series of street dance tutorial videos on YouTube in BSL, for Deaf kids to enjoy, and gain inspiration from, and learn new skills, during lockdown.

Born in Walsall, UK, Billy is profoundly Deaf and has always enjoyed music and dance. Kinetic Connectivity: Deaf Street Dance in Lockdown, will connect with Deaf and Hard of Hearing kids through a series of YouTube videos inviting them to show off their moves and upload their dance clips, which will be part of a video montage at the end of the project.

Two videos were published weekly. The videos were captioned and have a voiceover.

“Lockdown is a difficult time for everyone, and for Deaf children, it’s a very challenging and lonely experience, due to communication barriers they endure with hearing members of their families. I know from experience, what it feels like to miss out on things people take for granted at home.

I feel this project is important and resonates with me. I’m excited, because I hope to reach out and connect with young Deaf kids, help develop their confidence, inspire them to dance, and bring some happiness to their lockdown life.”

Creative ConnectionsKerry O'CoyBilly Read, Deaf Dance Tutorials, Hip Hop, Creative Connections