The Black Country break-dancer inspiring deaf youngsters across the country
A dancer has been helping deaf young people from across the country develop their own moves.
Dancer and choreographer Billy Read, from Walsall, held a virtual street dance masterclass in an event organised by the National Deaf Children's Society.
The workshop saw deaf children and young people, aged between eight and 18, attend and learn via a Zoom class.
Under Billy’s guidance, the deaf young people from across the UK explored some basic hip hop choreography and learned some dance moves, before putting it all together into a street dance routine on November 14.
Billy himself became deaf at the age of three and, as a 21 year old, discovered his own talent for dancing.
Despite no formal training, and now aged 32, he has utilised his self-taught skills to become a dancer and an artist, forming his own deaf dance crew and travelling the world meeting other deaf dancers.
Billy said: "I was so pleased to see the kids enjoyed themselves during my dance zoom sessions.
"I’m glad to have been involved in supporting young deaf kids during lockdown, by providing them with accessible dance classes and keeping them entertained at home.”
Sally McNamara, activity co-ordinator at the National Deaf Children’s Society, helped organise the workshops and added her own praise for Billy's work.
She said: “I want to thank the incredible Billy Read for his energy and enthusiasm, which really shone through in his workshops.
"The deaf young people absolutely adored them. Billy showed them all the moves and they learnt and performed a complete street dance routine. They were all brilliant."
To see Billy in action, go to billyreaddancer.com
