Mark Smith on Deaf Men Dancing’s new project with The Black Country Dance Hub (BSL)

The Black Country Dance Hub is currently working with Deaf Men Dancing to create a new short piece of work called D-Clusivity.

Led by deaf choreographer and artistic director, Mark Smith, they’re looking for up to four professionally trained deaf or hard of hearing dancers to work with them on the project.

I caught up with Mark to find out more about his career, Deaf Men Dancing and the D-Clusivity project.

Hi Mark! Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi, my name is Mark Smith, I am a Choreographer and also the Founder /Artistic Director of my company Deaf Men Dancing and DMD+. I am based in London.

What inspired you to set up Deaf Men Dancing?

Deaf Men Dancing is an all-male dance company made up of Deaf and Hard of hearing Dancers with all different dance backgrounds including  Ballet, Hip Hop, Contemporary. All of our different dance styles are combined and created with BSL Sign Movement.

I was regularly asked throughout my life “are you the only deaf dancer?” – I knew there were other deaf dancers out there that should have the opportunity to showcase their amazing talent and that inspired me to form DMD.

Having all male dancers, the inspiration come from Matthew Bourne’s ‘Swan Lake’ and also ‘Ballet Boyz’ .

My most proudest achievement for DMD was when we performed a piece called ‘Alive’ outside The National Theatre. It was an absolute dream come true. It was a warm summers day with an amazing packed crowd. It was such a proud moment for me and the company.

Do you think dance is generally accessible to deaf people? What was your dance journey like? 

I believe that dance is becoming more accessible for Deaf and Hard or Hearing dancers as over the years I have noticed there has been a lot more awareness of access needs. This includes things like interpreters, clever use of sound systems and lighting that helps us on stage.

I have danced since I was 4 years old, so growing up there was not much awareness in the mainstream theatre world about Deaf dancers. So, I just had to learn to adapt which was twice as hard, as I had to listen and concentrate more.

But I would not change that for the world as this has made me stronger as a person with more ambition and drive to have the success as a dancer/ choreographer.

What would you like to see change in the dance world for dancers who are deaf or hard of hearing?

I would love Deaf and Hard of Hearing dancers to be included in big mainstream theatres. I would like to see them be invited to audition and given that opportunity to get into mainstream theatre.

Tell us more about the Black Country Dance Hub project – who are you looking for and what would you say to those thinking of applying?

We are looking for Male/ Female/ Non binary Deaf and Hard of Hearing Dancers aged between 18-35 years of age. For anyone applying I would love to see something unique, I would love to see someone that brings their individuality. Be open minded! I’d like to see creative flair.

What will happen in the project, what does it culminate in?

This will be a research and development (R & D) workshop over 6 days where we will be working on a story about a Deaf/ Hard of Hearing person’s life. We will all work together over these 6 days learning, creating and all getting to know each other. The next stage will be to hopefully apply for funding for a second R&D workshop so we can expand the idea more.

What is more important to you when you’re casting dancers – technique or passion for dance? Could you work with dancers who aren’t classically trained?

Passion is so important to me! To. see a dancer celebrate their work and enjoy every moment of dance is so amazing to see. Of course, I would be open to work with dancers that are not classically trained, it would be great to see new talent and open the doors of opportunity to dancers that I can teach and help develop.

Any words of advice or inspiration for budding deaf dancers? When is “too late” to start dancing?

It is never too late to start dancing if you have passion and believe you can achieve!

My advice would be to look into local dance schools in your area. Try all of the different dance styles so can find the styles you enjoy and also to learn and gain experience.

You can further go onto Dance College if you wish as this will be great to further develop your career in dance.

To find out more about the D-Clusivity project that Mark is involved in with Deaf Men Dancing and The Black Country Dance Hub head over to www.blackcountrydance.com