The Dance troupe was first organized at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind in 1971. It was formed under the direction of Cheryl Johnson, a teacher in the Physical Education, and later, the Deaf High School Department.
In the early years,…
+ MoreThe Dance troupe was first organized at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind in 1971. It was formed under the direction of Cheryl Johnson, a teacher in the Physical Education, and later, the Deaf High School Department.
In the early years, the Troupe provided signed interpretations for the music at various school events. Later, dance components were added, and a new performing group was born.
With Mrs. Johnson’s retirement, the Dance Troupe has passed into the very capable hands of Lia Ferrante, a teacher in the Deaf High School. With an extensive Dance and Cheerleading background, Ms. Ferrante is leading the Troupe into a new era of ever more varied and complex choreography and showmanship.
Today’s Dance Troupe performs throughout Florida for schools, colleges, civic and service organizations. Also noteworthy are performances for the Florida Legislature, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., the 2005 Super Bowl halftime show with Alicia Keys, and the 2006 Walt Disney Christmas Day Parade with Michael Bolton. Additionally, the members sign the National Anthem during the Jacksonville Jaguars home games.
Participating students include Juniors and Seniors who receive high school class credit in Fine Arts. Among these students are varsity athletes, Academic Bowl Team members, and class officers. They are all required to maintain high grades, and are usually honor roll students.
A majority of the Dance Troupe members are profoundly deaf. A performance requires many hours of practice as students learn the steps and count out the beat of the song. On stage, the performers watch each other and are cued by their director.