Episode 21: Sign Language in Dance: A Conversation with Mark Smith Part 1

from Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan · host Me'sha Bryan

This interview with renowned choreographer Mark Smith explores his journey from Royal Ballet training to international stage success, his innovative integration of sign language into dance, and his insights on the importance of sign language and deaf culture in the arts. Mark's Links Website - https://www.marksmithchoreographer.co.uk/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marksmithchoreographer X - https://x.com/marksmith_prod Deaf Men Dancing - https://deafmendancing.com/ Key topics Mark Smith's career trajectory from Royal Ballet to international stages The integration of sign language into dance and choreography The importance of sign language as a cultural and artistic expression Sound bites "I feel vibrations through my feet first." "I learned BSL quite late, at age four." "Sign language was banned for 100 years." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mark Smith's Journey 03:02 Connection with Bird College and Creative Process 06:05 The Impact of Dance on Communication 09:12 Exploring the Role of Vibration in Dance 11:47 Choreography and Collaboration in Musical Theatre 14:54 Learning British Sign Language and Its Importance 25:04 Overcoming Communication Barriers 26:44 Celebrating Deaf Culture Through Dance 30:30 The Emotional Connection in Performance 32:33 Evolving Dance Styles and Personal Growth 36:31 Diverse Dance Training and Its Importance 40:57 The Journey to Choreography 43:12 First Steps as a Choreographer 46:52 Pitching Ideas and Securing Choreography Jobs 50:07 Navigating the Competitive Dance Industry 53:41 The Impact of Social Media on Opportunities Links: Royal Ballet School - https://www.royalballetschool.org.uk/ London Studio Centre - https://londonstudiocentre.org/ Graeae Theatre Company - https://graeae.org/ Deaf Men Dancing - https://deafmendancing.com/ British Sign Language (BSL) - https://bslzone.co.uk/ Ramps on the Moon - https://rampsonthemoon.co.uk/ Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsP3kMmCnCwh08q3-4uPFtKLkwy2klA0G Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stageandscreenpodcast/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stageandscreenpodcast/ Me'sha's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/meshabryan/?originalSubdomain=uk

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This episode was published on March 31, 2026.

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