Project: Inclusive Flamenco for Deaf and deaf led by Marina Tamayo
” After reflecting on my own classes, I realised I needed to do better with inclusive practice. I want to bridge the gap, address inclusion and diversity by sharing the art form I have dedicated my life to, and by opening new opportunities for engagement to the Deaf and deaf communities.”
Planning and delivering a groundbreaking initiative in New South Wales that connects Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities to the vibrant world of Flamenco dance, led by Marina Tamayo. An inspiring journey of artistic expression and community building!
Deaf individuals who are part of the Deaf community are bilingual and bicultural, using Auslan within the Deaf community and English in the hearing community to varying degrees of fluency. They engage in living and working with hearing individuals to varying extents within the hearing community, as well as with Deaf individuals in the Deaf community. Despite facing challenges such as discrimination, prejudice, and misunderstanding in the hearing culture, they lead vibrant and fulfilling social, sporting, and cultural lives within the Deaf culture, actively participating in Deaf and deaf theatre, drama, social, and sports events and organisations.
Access to other forms of performing arts, particularly Flamenco, is limited; in fact, it does not exist yet. Marina Tamayo states, ” After reflecting on my own classes, I realised I needed to do better with inclusive practice. I want to bridge the gap, address inclusion and diversity by sharing the art form I have dedicated my life to, and by opening new opportunities for engagement to the Deaf and deaf communities.”
Marina Tamayo is accepting donations to employ a NSW professionally accredited Auslan interpreter to assist in delivering the program. They will be consulted on the design and co-constructing the content over ten weeks. As a current Auslan student, Marina Tamayo understands, respects and appreciates the complexities of this language and believes she is in a good position to deliver a robust, differentiated, inclusive program.
In addition, funds will be used to pay rent for the studio space, to be paid per hour for ten two-hour sessions per week for ten weeks (over six months). Advertising costs are low but will be used on social platforms, template designs and pamphlet distribution to libraries and community centres (postage, posters and printing) for making the public aware of the new initiative. During these sessions, we will invite Deaf and deaf communities to attend the pilot program for enjoyment and invaluable feedback. The sessions will be free of charge for the pilot program.
LINK ACF
Watch: https://youtube.com/shorts/5GxxFFtL74w
We encourage you to donate whatever you can afford to support the Deaf/deaf communities. Your contribution will play a significant role in creating inclusion and expanding opportunities for these communities. By donating, you will be part of leaving a lasting legacy within the community.
Photo by Manon Gorge, Copyright 2025
