BAFTA Winners’ Dance Routine Makes a Great Statement on Behalf of Sign Language
Deaf TV star Rose Ayling-Ellis and her professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice won a BAFTA for their appearance on the UK television show Strictly Come Dancing.
During their ballroom dance to Clean Bandit's song "Symphony," the music was turned off for a few seconds as the couple danced in silence.
Rose, an actor from the popular British soap opera EastEnders, was the first Deaf contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. Through her stellar performance on the show, she powerfully brought society's perceptions of the Deaf community to the forefront.
The BAFTA Presenter Impresses Viewers
Rochelle Humes, an English singer and tv presenter, presented Rose with her BAFTA in the most touching way possible by announcing the winner in sign language. Rochelle's notable action coincided with the passage of a new UK law that designated British Sign Language (BSL) as an official language in England and Wales.
Rose Ayling-Ellis' Accomplishment had a Significant Impact
Ms. Ayling-Ellis and Mr. Pernice received the first "perfect score" in the show's history, which was a huge victory for Deaf performers all over the world.
Rose Ayling-Ellis Uses Strictly Come Dancing as a Platform to Raise Awareness About Deaf Issues
Ms. Ayling-Ellis stresses that it’s not enough to merely have Deaf people in front of the camera. More have to be behind the camera as well, working as writers, producers, and directors.
“We still need to keep going, and keep the pace. We need people behind the scenes because that’s what makes it authentic and real to what Deaf people’s experiences are like." - Rose Ayling-Ellis
Providing a Role Model for Deaf People
She likes to continue showing that the possibilities for Deaf individuals are unlimited once the obstacles are removed.
“Hopefully, it will give them the realization they can do whatever career they want,” she says. “Nothing is impossible, and I know that a lot of Deaf children grow up in a society that thinks it’s not possible. But no - you can do it.” - Rose Ayling-Ellis
A Means of Promoting the Deaf Cause
- She became the first celebrity to use sign language to tell a bedtime story on CBeebies in May 2022.
- She debuted the first Deaf Barbie doll with behind-the-ear hearing aids in August 2022.
Watch their performance in the video below.
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