Ebr717’s Weblog

This past week the list of celebrities featured on this season of “Dancing With the Stars” was announced. The new dancers include Priscilla Presley, Kristi Yamaguchi, Adam Carolla, Shannon Elizabeth, Steve Guttenberg, tennis champion Monica Seles, singer Mario, and Miami Dolphins defensive Jason Taylor. Also joining the case is Oscar-winning deaf actress Marlee Matlin. Matlin has starred in television shows such as the “West Wing” and “The L Word.”

Ever since the first season of “Dancing With the Stars” there has been excitement surrounding the show. The show has a intensely dedicated audience following. I think it’s a huge breakthrough for both the show and the deaf community. Entertainment Weekly’s Lynette Rice says, “They’ve established a trend to break prejudices — we’ve seen it with Heather Mills who danced with a prosthetic to defy the odds.”

It has the potential to both introduce people to deaf culture and alter any misconceptions people might already have. From a public relations perspective this makes a strong statement on behalf of the ABC show. Dancing requires more than just hearing and listening to the music. Internal rhythm will guide Matlin throughout the dancing. As Peter Pover, president of USA Dance, said “The only impediment to dance is when we don’t think we can do it.”