Guest Author - Kelli Deister

I remember the first time I learned that Deaf people attend dances. I was, as is expected, curious as to how they could dance when they cannot hear the music. I had the privilege of having a Deaf teacher for my American Sign Language classes and this was one of the topics she taught me about. I was also in awe when I sat and watched a rehearsal with the members of “Beethoven’s Nightmare.”

Music provides moments of creativity for all who enjoy it. There are moments when a person dances as a means of expressing themselves through the music. The deaf are no different. My memory goes to the song, "Footloose" by Kevin Bacon. In this movie, the student danced to express himself as well as to release stressors in his life. It left him feeling much better after he danced.

It's important to acknowledge that the deaf can dance. Deaf students do have their own dances. It’s important to understand and honor that. Many people with varying levels of deafness can hear bits and pieces of the music. Perhaps some people can hear the instruments clearly while others hear the vocals more, dependent upon how loud the music is. Some can dance to the music being played, when it is at a high level of sound while others dance along to the vibration they feel while dancing. Deaf teens get to attend dances, just as hearing teens do. Deaf teens attend proms, just as hearing teens do.

Deaf people should not be stereotyped as not being able to dance to music. As I said before, there are many people that are deaf to some degree and can hear the music to some degree. Just because they are deaf doesn’t mean that they can’t enjoy the same music that hearing people can. The deaf do have dances and they do dance.