Antoine Hunter, Artistic Director of Urban Jazz Dance Company, will be presenting the work “Silent Can Dance” at the Yerba Buena Gardens this Friday for dance anywhere 2013. Antoine is an African American Deaf and Hard of Hearing choreographer, dancer, dance instructor, model, actor and poet. He is the epitome of dance anywhere’s mission; anyone can dance, anywhere.

He writes:

“Urban Jazz Dance Company is urban convergence of artistic forces, where the raw energy, rooted in freedom, and syncopation of urban jazz is expressed through athletic body, unique lyrical blend, and uncontrollable passionate bombastic dance. The company is based in Oakland, CA. Its mission is to show the world, no matter where they are, who they are, that they too can reach their dreams.

These dancers are trained deaf and hearing dancers coming from many parts of world, who are also required to take Mr. Hunter’s dance classes all the time. We dance anyway we can express ourselves – ballet, jazz, African, hip-hop, Praise, Sign Language, modern and so much more. Real people with real words to express in their urban language. It is an opportunity to dance together and promote educational awareness through performing arts.

The company values their community and plays an important social role, showing that no matter what people of all races, ages, disability and backgrounds can too, as said before…. REACH THEIR DREAMS.”

Click the below link to see a short clip of Antoine dancing and signing after last year’s dance anywhere: