“You can dance when you’re happy, you can dance when you’re sad. Dance can help you go through life,” — Antoine Hunter
On October 7, 2024, Antoine Hunter, Deaf dancer, choreographer, and advocate, also known as PurpleFireCrow, joined the University of Wisconsin-Madison community for two days of packed events, spreading a message about love and embracing differences.
Hunter is an award-winning, internationally recognized, Black, Indigenous, Deaf, Disabled, choreographer, dancer, actor, instructor, speaker, producer, and most significantly, Deaf advocate.
The activities began with a dance class led by Hunter where 35 local, Deaf and hard of hearing high schoolers had the opportunity to learn directly from the master choreographer.
Shortly after, a live-streamed Deaf professional panel discussion was held, with roughly 150 viewers from across the country.
That night, ‘An Evening with Antoine Hunter: Performance, Lecture, Discussion’ hosted about 250 attendees in Shannon Hall, Memorial Union.
Co-hosted by the McBurney Disability Resource Center and The Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) Committee, the performance featured intricate dances from members of the Urban Jazz Company, as well as meaningful insight from Antoine themself.
The unique routines weaved together choreographed dance and American Sign Language (ASL), making for a performance like no other.
Throughout the show, Antoine connected with every individual present, calling on the audience to move their bodies in response to the music, and generating a harmonious energy throughout the room.
“We are not all the same, we are all different,” said Antoine, through an interpreter. “Look around the room, there are so many different people here, but we all have a heart that beats that means we are still alive, which in turn means we are worth living in this world.”
Through the support of the McBurney Center as well as the WUD committee, the event was able to provide Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs), live professional captioning (CART), as well as spoken English interpretation.
The next morning, Hunter hosted an additional master class with The UW Dance Department, silently teaching choreography to a group of hearing students.
Through their work, Hunter creates expressive opportunities for Deaf, Disabled, and hearing artists. In response to COVID-19 in July 2020, Hunter founded #DeafWoke, an online talk show fostering a space to amplify BIPOC Deaf and Disabled stories as a means for cultural change.
“Everyone has a story, and we need to remember that story and connect them. Just because you cannot hear, does not mean you cannot listen,” said Antoine through an interpreter.
Performances like this, brought to life by the Urban Jazz Company (UJDC), speak to the dance company’s overall message and goal. Founded by Antoine Hunter, “UJDC’s mission is to uplift, and provide opportunities for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and disabled artists from marginalized backgrounds.” Utilizing complex urban jazz rhythms, the company places importance on play and performance, aiming to connect cultures of all races, ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Incorporating meaningfully interactive components into each performance, UJDC captivates both deaf and hearing audiences alike.
Learn more about Antoine Hunter and the Urban Jazz Company.
Stay connected with the Mcburney Disability Center, and The Disability Cultural Center, and visit the space at 702 West Johnson Street.