Cedar Crest College’s Student Accessibility Services and the Performing Arts Department proudly present Embodied Expression, a celebration of Deaf culture through dance, coming to the college this April.
The performance will feature the Gallaudet Dance Company, a group of Deaf and hard of hearing dancers from Gallaudet University. Founded in 1955, the company is made up entirely of undergraduate and graduate students from Gallaudet, the world’s only accredited liberal arts university specifically for Deaf and hard of hearing students.
According to Becky Kile, Director of Student Accessibility Services, representation in the performing arts plays an important role in expanding awareness and understanding.
“Seeing Deaf and hard of hearing performers represented in the performing arts is important for increasing disability and accessibility awareness, acceptance, and inclusion. There are a lot of misconceptions and assumptions made about how people in the Deaf and hard of hearing community interact with music and dance that are shattered through this representation,” says Becky.
The dancers come from diverse backgrounds, with a range of hearing levels, preferred communication modes, primary school education, and academic majors. As performers who rely primarily on visual communication, they express themselves through a variety of dancing styles including modern jazz, hip-hop, modern dance, lyrical ballet, and dance that uses American Sign Language (ASL) as its foundation.
To support an accessible experience for all, ASL interpreters will be present throughout the event.
“ASL interpretation makes performing arts accessible to more people, and more engaging to everyone,” says Becky. “I hope this performance will challenge some people’s preconceived notions or assumptions about Deaf and hard of hearing culture, and inspire further conversations, actions and events that promote accessibility and inclusion,” says Becky.
Student Accessibility Services at Cedar Crest College works to create an inclusive and equitable campus experience. The office supports students with a wide range of conditions, including ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, mental health conditions, chronic illnesses, physical disabilities, vision and hearing disabilities, brain injuries, and more. It also assists students experiencing temporary conditions such as concussions or injuries.
“I believe the impact of this event will be significant towards furthering the conversation around intentional actions we can take to build a more inclusive and accessible community,” says Becky.
Made possible through the Cedar Crest Cultural Programming Fund, Embodied Expression will take place Wednesday, April 29 at 5 p.m. in Samuels Theatre, Tompkins College Center. The evening will include a two-hour performance with a ten-minute intermission, followed by a talk-back session with the director and dancers.
Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to email to claim complimentary tickets in advance of the show. Tickets can also be purchased online.
For more information about Student Accessibility Services, contact Becky Kile at 610-424-7085 or email
By Catherine Stroh