This photo taken on June 29, 2024 shows deaf people attending a deaf party at a club in Shanghai. – With crowds dancing to bass-heavy electronic music and queuing up for drinks, the weekend party in Shanghai was like any other night in the Chinese metropolis, but with a major twist. It was the second “BassBath” club night organised by a Shanghai-based group, which hopes to bring deaf and hearing club-goers together through its series of accessible events. (Photo by Jade GAO / AFP) / TO GO WITH ‘CHINA – DISABILITY – ENTERTAINMENT, REPORT’ BY JING XUAN TENG
In Shanghai, a unique event called “BassBath” is creating a rare but powerful space where deaf and hearing music lovers come together. Despite recent efforts in China to improve inclusion in education and everyday life, deaf-friendly nightclubs and entertainment events remain rare. The “BassBath” club night, organized by a group that aims to bridge cultural gaps, offers an opportunity for deaf and hearing people to connect through the universal languages of music and dance. With activities like sign language games, intense bass beats that can be felt through vibrations, and performances by deaf artists, the event fosters mutual understanding and integration between the two communities.
The BassBath experience highlights the profound impact of creating inclusive spaces where both deaf and hearing people can enjoy nightlife together. These types of events are rare, especially in China, but are essential in breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes. Attendees, both young and old, find joy and connection in these shared experiences, proving that music and dance can transcend physical limitations. For many, including those like 34-year-old Xiaozhou, it was the first opportunity to participate in a lively and inclusive social environment, demonstrating the need for more events like this.
The success of BassBath in Shanghai underscores the need for more spaces where deaf and hearing people can come together, not just in nightlife, but in various aspects of cultural life. These events help to challenge ableist perceptions and promote deeper connections between communities that often remain separate. By fostering understanding and inclusion, events like BassBath create a more integrated and vibrant society, where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can participate and enjoy life together.
Creating musical events for deaf and hearing people in local communities
BassBath in Shanghai has taught us many lessons, especially if we want to organize similar events in our own local communities and cities.
- Enjoy vibration and music with intense bass: Choose music with deep bass and strong beats that can be felt through the body. Use special equipment such as vibrating floors or portable vibrating devices that allow deaf participants to feel the music, creating a shared sensory experience.
- Incorporate visual elements:Add visual components that sync with the music, such as light shows, projections, or LED screens that pulse in time with the music. Consider incorporating visual representations of the music, such as animated sound waves or color-coded cues that indicate different musical elements.
- Deaf musicians and dancers stand out: Feature deaf artists, DJs, and dancers in the event program. Not only does this provide representation, but it also demonstrates how deaf people can interact with music in unique ways. Invite them to perform or lead interactive sessions that educate hearing participants about their approaches to music and rhythm.
- Include sign language interpreters: Have sign language interpreters on stage alongside the performers to interpret lyrics and spoken content. This ensures that deaf participants can follow the performance and fully participate in the event. Consider including interpreters as part of the artistic performance, integrating their movements into the visual experience.
- Create interactive music sessions: Host workshops or interactive sessions where deaf and hearing participants can collaborate on creating musical or dance routines. Use tools such as drum circles, where participants can feel the vibrations and rhythms, or digital music creation tools that visually represent sound.
- Organize sign language lessons before the event:Offer short sign language lessons before the event or as part of event promotion. This can help hearing participants learn basic signs related to music, dance, and social interaction, encouraging better communication and inclusion during the event.
- Promoting inclusion in event design: Make sure the event space is designed to be accessible to everyone. This includes providing clear visual signage, accessible seating, and areas where vibrations can be felt most strongly. Consider using circular seating to encourage interaction between deaf and hearing attendees.
- Partner with local deaf organizations:Work closely with local Deaf organizations and community leaders to co-create events. Your input and involvement will ensure that events meet the needs and interests of the Deaf community, while also promoting the events within that community.
- Use social media to raise awareness: Promote the event widely on social media, using platforms that are popular with both deaf and hearing communities. Highlight the inclusive nature of the event and share behind-the-scenes content that shows how the event is designed to be accessible to all.
- Building a supportive community: Foster a sense of community by having these events happen regularly. Create a group or forum where music lovers, both deaf and hearing, can connect, share experiences, and suggest ideas for future events, ensuring that the events continue to evolve and meet the needs of both communities.
Fountain: Hong Kong Free Press
dohatGPT, a potential tool for increased accessibility, was used to aid in the research and writing of this blog post. Do you think this is an appropriate use of chatGPT? Why or why not? Let me know!
