Another exciting time awaits deaf persons as a contest titled ‘Deaf Can Dance Challenge’ is currently gathering momentum to provide youths in the deaf community a platform to showcase their passion and earn big while at it.
Organisers of the contest, Seams Consults has put finishes touches for the contest slated for June 3, with entries already coming in from excited participants.
Convener of Seams Consult, Samuel James in a chat with Inclusive News Network (INN) said while the first prize winner will smile home with the sum of N50,000, the second and third placed contestants will walk away with N30,000 and N20,000 respectively.
He added that aside the mouth watering cash prizes, participants of the contest will be exposed to various life time opportunities.
He listed such opportunities to include exposure of talent to the world, noting that those who do very well will be recognized as exceptional at their field.
Besides he said the winner will have the rare opportunity to be put as a major cast member of the play “HERIT” written by him and which will be aired towards the end of 2020.
He said the play would herald a Grand performance mainly by Deaf Performers.
Speaking on the mode of application for the challenge, James said that all an applicant needs to do was follow three steps.
Step one, according to him is to make a one (1) minute or less of dance video with at least a partner, while Step two will require the applicant to send the video via WhatsApp directly to 08065234755 – Samuel as it will be assigned to a group.
Step three, he said, will require the participant to follow his or her video when posted on Facebook.
But he also listed more guidelines to qualify entries, noting that videos sent should be clear and of high quality.
“Shoot your videos in day light outside your room.
“Phone Cameras should be on landscape orientation when shooting.
“Individual dancers are not allowed to enter for this competition. Dance with either a Deaf partner(s) or a hearing partner(s).
“There would be different levels of the Challenge before the final.
“Each entry will be shared into groups immediately after registration – A, B, C and D respectively, the best sets from a group will move to the next level of the challenge,” James explained.
Speaking further, he said the winner will be judged by compliance with the guidelines and rules of the challenge, creativity, originality, catchy and memorable presentation, costumes and social media interactions(likes, comments and shares).
The Seams Consults boss said the idea behind the Deaf Can Dance challenge is to showcase the creativity and boost innovation inherent in the Deaf Community as well as demonstrate a nuanced understanding of collaboration in the creative process through leadership, participation, and reflection.
“We also intend to develop a multifaceted physicality through dance, boost a better social interpersonal relationship and also promote a more inclusive society,” he said.
He added that Seams Consults was passionate about serving as a communication conduit between two worlds; that of the Deaf and the hearing respectively.
“We in essence, bridge cultures, facilitate equal access to information and exposure.
“We do more than mere sign language interpretation, we see to daily information dissemination to the Deaf community through various means: educational programs, seminars, Sign Language music entertainment, dramatisation, organising healthy Competitions that will positively impact on the Deaf Community among others things,” he added.