It strikes me that demonstrations might go a long way, and also that if fellow dancers who spoke ASL were on the floor dancing, rather than standing on stage, they'd be better placed to facilitate this. Also, this is an opportunity for the whole community to learn how to help *** by doing what the person requests rather than what the community thinks might be helpful. ***
I wrote to a friend who teaches teachers of ASL at a university level, and here is her full response:
"
First, I think the caller should have a conversation with the deaf participant to get their perspective on what might help them be more successful.
There are a couple other interpreters I know who also know Contra dancing. My concern is an unfamiliar interpreter would rely on watching a demonstration before interpreting accurately.
I think showing or having a copy of the dance cards could be helpful.
As well as teaching the caller a different approach. Deaf individuals EYES are their ears. Even if they have some residual hearing, taking in auditory directions with little visual cues is not going to help.
A slower waltz is likely to be learned easier than a faster more complex jig or reel.
If I were calling and had a deaf participant, I’d take the following steps:
1) Talk with the participant well before the dance; come up with ideas for signs or gestures for calls, other ideas for accommodations
2) ensure quality speakers on both ends of the line
3) Have an extra copy of the calling card
4) before the dance send/post the dance list with YouTube links to the participants
5) When introducing and doing the walk thru make sure
a)the participant is with a slightly more experienced partner who also is good with at least gesturing/miming attempting to support their partner
b) the band is silent during the first two or three walk thrus
c) first walk thru have an experienced couple(s) demonstrate slowly; second and maybe third walk thru all join in; next have band play a bit of the tune at tempo, 5th time we dance and have the band.
6) if possible adjust the audio inputs such that the band is turned down a little and the caller’s mic is up a little."
She adds:
"A word of caution, do not physically move any body part of the deaf participant without their permission to do so. Proper attention getting procedures include tapping their shoulder, raising a hand on the air with a wave, and a floor stomp might work if the band’s not playing and the caller is on the same floor as the dancers."
Jerome Grisanti
660-528-0858
http://www.jeromegrisanti.com"Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius and power and magic in it." --Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
I've been part of dance communities where blind dancers are easily accommodated (with claps during heys etc). Deafness seems like it will take extra brainstorming to make useful accommodation. (Not only because some deaf people lip read preferentially over sign language.)
Is it possible to let a deaf dancer take a look at the caller's card before a dance is taught, to help orient a bit?
Pardon brevity; sent by smartphone.
We have not encountered this but I have friends who sign, having been teachers who worked with the deaf. Both dancers. I am going to talk with them about how this could work.
I think signing during the dance would be problematic as the dancer would need to see the signer and that would take their attention away from the dance floor.
The caller surely would find it difficult as well. I used to sign well but lost some over the years; once had a group of deaf tourists ride in my tour carriage, even signing, holding reins and being aware of traffic, tour sites and passengers was hugely difficult.
Having a trained -for- dance interpreter might just work for the walk through and occasional prompting.
Definitely looking into this.
Mary Collins
Near Buffalo NY
I recently had a conversation with a dear friend in NH, a long-time contra dancer, who has an adult daughter who is deaf (who lives in SF, CA if that helps). Daughter doesn't dance, because she can't hear the calls and gets confused on the dance floor. She wishes that, during walk-throughs, the calls could be signed as well as spoken. I'm writing to ask if any of you have encountered this request? AFAIK there are no deaf dancers in my community in the Maine highlands, but I'd be willing to learn some basic signs to go along with my teaching. I think it would be challenging to sign as I call once the dance gets started, though.
Thoughts?
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