In Burkina Faso, a group of deaf and hard-of-hearing dancers have found a way to overcome their hearing impairment and enjoy dance. Using the Vibra-Signe technique, they are able to feel the rhythm and music through vibrations in the floor and body gestures. This technique was developed by instructor Yaya Sanou, who runs the dance group Au Déla de l’Handicap (ADH) in Bobo-Dioulasso. The dancers, including Adama Sanou, say they love dance and enjoy the repetition and learning process.
The Vibra-Signe technique has become a tool for empowerment for deaf people in Burkina Faso, where limited government support and resources have made it challenging for them to thrive and socialize. Dance has become a way for them to express themselves and participate in socio-cultural activities. Yaya Sanou started out with his dance career in the streets of Sarfalao neighborhood in Bobo-Dioulasso, blending traditional dances with modern styles. He noticed that deaf children at the Institut des Jeunes Sourds du Faso rarely socialized, and he decided to propose teaching dance to them.
The impact of the dance program was positive, and Yaya Sanou decided to continue teaching. The technique has gained popularity in and outside Burkina Faso, with its use by members of the Fientan dance organization. Fientan won a gold medal for dance creation at the 2023 Francophone Games in Kinshasa, Congo. The group's name, Fientan, means "without disability" in the local Dioula language, and their teacher says it takes time to master the technique, but the result has been fulfilling.
The dancing has improved the dancers' social skills, and they say it has empowered them. Adama Sanou says he loves dance and that it encourages him to keep dancing. He overcame his parents' objections to pursue his passion for dance. Yaya Sanou's technique translates the beat with his face and gestures, allowing the dancers to follow the rhythm and music.
The technique has been used in several performances, including the group's latest production, "Adepte de mon être", which means "Devoted to my being". The production has been performed in Germany and Ivory Coast. Yaya Sanou says the dance provokes questions about the relationship between deaf people and society, and how they can assert themselves.
Despite the progress made, rights advocates and experts say implementation of inclusive-education programs and measures to improve access to welfare and living conditions for people with disabilities remains limited. A 2019 census recorded about 46,500 people aged 2 or older who had significant difficulty hearing or could not hear at all. A study by the Institute of Social Sciences notes that 58% of respondents have a "negative" perception of deafness.
The dancers and their teacher hope that their performances will raise awareness and promote inclusion. Yaya Sanou says that through dance, deaf people can affirm and regain their place in society. The group's performances have inspired others, and their story highlights the importance of inclusive programs and support for people with disabilities.
Key points
- Deaf dancers in Burkina Faso use the Vibra-Signe technique to feel rhythm and music.
- The technique has empowered deaf people and improved their social skills.
- Despite progress, implementation of inclusive-education programs remains limited.
