Publisher's Synopsis
In July 2002, the second Deaf Way Conference and Festival took place at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., attracting more than 9,700 people worldwide. Researchers, artists, performers, and others converged to create a singular blend of scholarship and social interaction. The Deaf Way II's Opening Celebration "Believe" commenced these six extraordinary days in rousing fashion with a mix of international performances and official welcomes, all captured digitally to be cherished for a lifetime.
The exquisite performances presented in the Deaf Way II Celebration strike awe with their range and quality, starting with the American Welcome by a cadre of American Indian dancers. I. King Jordan, president of Gallaudet University, the primary sponsor of Deaf Way II, leads a corps of notable Deaf leaders in a warm and reflective, formal welcome. Amazing stage acts follow by deaf professionals, including exotic, traditional Chinese dancers, Cubans dancing salsa with the audience, an ingenious storyteller from Australia, interpretive dancers from the Czech Republic, plus many others, riveting performances connected by brief, hilarious yet pointed skits created by a collaborative troupe of Russian and Canadian clowns. A diverse group of Deaf children and adults cap off the inspiring event by signing in harmony to the song "When You Believe," confirming their belief in a peaceful and prosperous future for everyone, the hallmark of Deaf Way II.
