Deaf Dance Competition Returns with Powerhouse Performances from Jamaica’s Top Deaf Talents

The Jamaican Deaf community is set to light up the stage at this year’s Deaf Dance Competition, an electrifying showcase hosted by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).

Happening on Friday, May 16 at 3p.m. at the Bert Rose Studio Theatre, located at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, the event promises a thrilling display of movement, energy, and raw talent.

This year’s competition will feature 14 powerful performances from three top institutions known for nurturing Deaf talent: the Danny Williams School for the Deaf, The Abilities Foundation, and McKie Dance Company.

Audiences can expect dynamic presentations across four exciting categories: Movement and Music, Jamaican Popular Dance, Jamaican Creative Folk Dance, Praise Dance, and Dance Skit. With dancers as young as four years old hitting the stage, the event is a celebration of rhythm development, creative expression, and the art of non-verbal storytelling through dance.

According to Patrick Earle, Dance Development Specialist at the JCDC, “Watching the performers grow in confidence and take the stage with pride is always deeply gratifying.”

Adding even more flair to the evening, this year’s lineup includes a duet, a trio, and a standout male solo performance.