Since 2020, Welsh dance company Jones the Dance has been developing its project for young D/deaf and Hard of Hearing people called Quiet Beats in South Wales. They began the project after learning about the experiences of young Deaf people being put off by mainstream dance classes and recognised the need for workshops that are designed with specific communication tools so that those who love to dance can do so without limitations.
The company has been developing their workshops supported by leading Deaf dancers, artists and consultants, as well as the young people themselves, which has led to the group in Cardiff forming into a company who created a short dance film that toured Wales in 2024.
“We have seen a complete transformation in Dylan, before this he wouldn’t have done anything physical, Amber has really pulled him out of his comfort zone and his confidence has shot through the roof…it’s been transformational”, said the parent of a member of the young company.
With the support of the Arts Council of Wales and local partners Jones the Dance will expand the project to North Wales in early 2025, creating opportunities for young Deaf people in the region to also have the opportunity to dance.
Throughout the early part of 2025, they will run a number of taster sessions in both North and South Wales, as well as running their regular workshops. In South Wales they will include special full day half-term holiday sessions in Swansea at the Deaf hub on 26th Feb, at Newport Riverfront Theatre on 27th February and at National Dance Company Wales in Cardiff on 28th February. They will run more workshops in North Wales in Wrexham, Colwyn Bay and in May half term and more in Cardiff too (exact dates and time TBC.)
Jones the Dance challenges the unspoken ‘rules’ about who can watch, enjoy and experience (contemporary) dance. They regularly work with professional D/deaf dancers from the UK and internationally in their productions and want to inspire and encourage young people from the D/deaf community to give it a try. Many of the D/deaf professional dancers will also work with the young company, sharing their stories, inspiring the next generation, whilst teaching them some great dance skills. Greek dancer Panos Paraschou visited from Greece and Anna Seymour who is arguably one of the best Deaf contemporary dancers in the world today!
Kama Roberts, Jones the Dance producer, says, “we hope these young people might become the professional dancers of the future… or they might develop a life long love of dancing for the joy of it. They might challenge their own perceived limitations and become more confident in other things in life. Any one of these outcomes will be a huge win for us at Jones the Dance.”
“We have been working closely with our Dance Officers Amber and Eli too who, although hearing, have deaf awareness at the core of everything they do and who work tirelessly to remove unnecessary barriers to young d/deaf people thriving in dance. They are fantastic teachers and dancers themselves.” (Kama)
If you would like to be added to the list to find out more then please email Kama on info_and_admin@jonesthedance.com she will also be happy to answer any questions that you might have.
Swansea Deaf Hub
Date: Wednesday, 26th February
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (All ages 7-16 years)
10:00 am - 2:00 pm (Ages 11-16 years, please book in advance)
Newport, Riverfront Theatre, Dance Studio
Date: Thursday, 27th February
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm (All ages 7-16 years)
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm (Ages 11-16 years)
Cardiff, Dance House
Date: Friday, 28th February
Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm (All ages 7-16 years)
11:00 am - 3:00 pm (Ages 11-16 years)