Deaf dancers are getting into the swing at Hilton

Miss-Delectable · 05-25-2005, 02:10 AM

http://www.timescommunity.com/site/t...d=511691&rfi=6

Swing dancing, with its fast-moving steps, can be an intimidating style of dance for anyone to try.

Gary and Sue Caley, swing instructors from Reston, try to keep the mood light and relaxed at the swing dance events that they lead weekly in Herndon to make everyone feel comfortable. Last Friday, two sign language interpreters came to the class to allow a few deaf and hard-of-hearing students to feel comfortable as well.

“Sue and Gary are great; just very welcoming to the deaf community,” said Beth Dukes, a graduate student at Gallaudet University who is deaf.

Friday was the first time Beth and her husband, Daniel Dukes, who is hearing, have ever gone out dancing. Beth Dukes can read lips well, but, at a crowded dance event like the one the Caleys host, it would be too hard for her to follow the instructions, Daniel Dukes said.

Aside from the occasional sign language comment across the ballroom at the Hilton Washington Dulles Airport, it was impossible to tell the deaf group from the other novice dancers. There were smiles and laughter all around, and the dancers spilled out into the hotel lobby as the dance floor got too crowded.

Beth Dukes and Cham Dee, of Reston, both said they could feel the beat of the music, performed that night by Terence McArdle and Jumpin' Tonight.

Dee, who was swing dancing for the second time and invited some of his deaf and hard-of-hearing friends to join him this time, said he also keeps up by watching others on the dance floor.

“I have a lot of respect for deaf people who come out and try any kind of dance,” said Shara Carter, of Vienna, who helped interpret the dance steps. “It's a hearing person's thing.”

Carter is a volunteer interpreter at McLean Bible Church and an avid swing dancer, so she was happy to help some of her friends try out the pastime.

The Caleys begin each dance with a half-hour lesson for beginners. Carter and Maureen Ritter, of Centreville, interpreted the lesson.

Piper · 05-25-2005, 03:56 PM

Oh, wow, that's awesome! I'm hearing and I have trouble when I try and learn a few steps.....I couldn't imagine trying to learn to swing dance w/o being able to hear the instructor or the music. That's so neat....kudos to all the dancers!

05-25-2005, 04:27 PM

Oh wow thats awesome. Ive always wanted to learn how to swing dance, salsa dancing and ballroom dancing. I envy these who can learn!

05-25-2005, 02:10 AM	#1 (permalink)
Miss-Delectable Capt Tony Nelson, Jeannie Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: No.1 Shopping Capital in Australia Posts: 10,238 Blog Entries: 3	Deaf dancers are getting into the swing at Hilton http://www.timescommunity.com/site/t...d=511691&rfi=6 Swing dancing, with its fast-moving steps, can be an intimidating style of dance for anyone to try. Gary and Sue Caley, swing instructors from Reston, try to keep the mood light and relaxed at the swing dance events that they lead weekly in Herndon to make everyone feel comfortable. Last Friday, two sign language interpreters came to the class to allow a few deaf and hard-of-hearing students to feel comfortable as well. “Sue and Gary are great; just very welcoming to the deaf community,” said Beth Dukes, a graduate student at Gallaudet University who is deaf. Friday was the first time Beth and her husband, Daniel Dukes, who is hearing, have ever gone out dancing. Beth Dukes can read lips well, but, at a crowded dance event like the one the Caleys host, it would be too hard for her to follow the instructions, Daniel Dukes said. Aside from the occasional sign language comment across the ballroom at the Hilton Washington Dulles Airport, it was impossible to tell the deaf group from the other novice dancers. There were smiles and laughter all around, and the dancers spilled out into the hotel lobby as the dance floor got too crowded. Beth Dukes and Cham Dee, of Reston, both said they could feel the beat of the music, performed that night by Terence McArdle and Jumpin' Tonight. Dee, who was swing dancing for the second time and invited some of his deaf and hard-of-hearing friends to join him this time, said he also keeps up by watching others on the dance floor. “I have a lot of respect for deaf people who come out and try any kind of dance,” said Shara Carter, of Vienna, who helped interpret the dance steps. “It's a hearing person's thing.” Carter is a volunteer interpreter at McLean Bible Church and an avid swing dancer, so she was happy to help some of her friends try out the pastime. The Caleys begin each dance with a half-hour lesson for beginners. Carter and Maureen Ritter, of Centreville, interpreted the lesson. __________________

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05-25-2005, 03:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
Piper Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Atlanta Posts: 51	Oh, wow, that's awesome! I'm hearing and I have trouble when I try and learn a few steps.....I couldn't imagine trying to learn to swing dance w/o being able to hear the instructor or the music. That's so neat....kudos to all the dancers!

05-25-2005, 04:27 PM	#3 (permalink)
Gemtun Guest Posts: n/a	Oh wow thats awesome. Ive always wanted to learn how to swing dance, salsa dancing and ballroom dancing. I envy these who can learn!