Gallaudet Dance Company celebrates 70 years with blockbuster show

Decades of dance are set to converge on Gallaudet’s campus on March 28th and 29th. “Family Reunion: Celebrating 70 Years of Dance” will feature the past, present, and future of Deaf and hard of hearing dancers gathering on one stage to honor the storied legacy of the Gallaudet Dance Company (GDC).

For audiences, it’s a rare opportunity to see a unique collection of dancers on the same stage. Among the many featured performers that night will be Gallaudet’s own Bison with Attitude and MotionZ, as well as performing arts groups Sign of Da’ Times and Gallaudet Alumni Dancers. Choreographers Ashley Pigliavento ’18, Tara Miles ’97 & G-’01 & G-’15, Shaunflow Odom, and Nicholaus Nero, G-’19 will present never-before-seen works, alongside GDC Interim Director, Brooke Roberts, ’19.

Roberts has a unique perspective on the power of the Gallaudet Dance Company. She first got involved as a student dancer and worked her way up to the role of Director in 2024. She is determined to make “Family Reunion” a celebration for the ages. “This unique opportunity to have our GDC family together again, celebrating our momentous 70th anniversary, is incredibly special,” Roberts says. “Our dancers have been working so hard all year, crafting beautiful dances that we look forward to sharing with the audience.”

Gallaudet Dance Company is known for its innovative integration of American Sign Language (ASL) into multiple styles of dance. It was founded in 1955 when Dr. Peter Wisher, a Gallaudet professor of Physical Education, observed a student signing “The Lord’s Prayer” during a campus ceremony. Impressed by the movement of the signs, he saw the possibility of using ASL as a foundation for dance. Dr. Wisher began the Gallaudet Modern Dancers, a social club that later evolved into the Gallaudet Dance Company under former director Diane Hottendorf.

GDC continued to thrive under the direction of Sue Gil-Doleac, herself a GDC alumni, who was involved with the company for 44 years. Says current GDC Director Roberts, “Gallaudet Dance Company would not be where we are today without the incredible leadership and dedication of our former directors who laid the groundwork for Deaf representation in dance.” 

GDC has continued to evolve over time by broadening their dance genres, community outreach, and traveling performances. The dancers have performed across the United States, as well as over a dozen international countries. The company was also featured in the international dance film, Dancing Joy.

GDC’s commitment to integrating American Sign Language into its performances continues to set it apart, showcasing the beautiful intersection of movement and language to highlight the unique culture and creativity of the Deaf community. The rich history of GDC will be woven into “Family Reunion”, setting the scene for a dynamic performance. The show will also highlight the versatility of Gallaudet’s Theatre and Dance department. The backstage crew is made up entirely of students, including the lighting designer and stage manager.

Director Roberts shares, “In an age of constant change, Gallaudet Dance Company remains steadfast in our commitment to creating engaging dance performances that are accessible to all. In that spirit, we are offering an exciting new ticket option this year that allows you to pay what you can. Whether you are sticking to a budget or would like to generously donate to support our work, this flexible option allows you to choose the price you pay.” 

With a rich array of talent, GDC’s 70th anniversary performance is sure to be an unforgettable experience for all who attend, sharing the power of dance as a universal language of expression and connection. Roberts shares, “Whether this is your first or fiftieth time seeing GDC perform, we invite everyone to join us for this once-in-a-lifetime performance.”

“Family Reunion: Celebrating 70 Years of Dance” will run for three performances on March 28 and 29 in Elstad Auditorium at Gallaudet University. Tickets are available now.

Gallaudet offers a BA in Theatre Arts, as well as minors in Dance and Theatre Arts: Production/Performance. Visit the Theatre and Dance webpage to learn more.