Dancing Without Boundaries With CI Users Irina and Jhonny

Maintaining Connection Across Continents

Jhonny and Irina’s collaboration began with a brief message, but their journey was anything but simple. Practicing separately in their home countries–Brazil and Kazakhstan–they faced the challenge of time zone differences, language and distance.

Despite the time lag, they managed to communicate and rehearse through video messages. They both felt excitement and dedication while practicing the dance at home and perfecting the choreography.

Memorable Moments and Highlights

One of the most memorable moments for Jhonny is performing with flags representing their respective countries, symbolizing the global reach of dance.

The Impact of Cochlear Implants

For both Jhonny and Irina, their cochlear implants have transformed their dance journeys. CIs taught them how important persistence is, not only when practicing dancing, but also when doing listening exercises to improve their hearing with their CIs.

Jhonny’s CIs in particular gave him an amazing hearing ability, allowing him to focus on music details that others might even miss:

Advice for Other Dancers With Hearing Loss

According to Irina and Jhonny, communication is key when it comes to dancing. With communication difficulties, it is hard to connect with others. This is Irina’s advice for dancers with hearing loss:

Inspiring Others

Irina and Jhonny’s story is a reminder that with determination, support, and the right hearing technology, you can overcome any obstacle. Through their hearing journeys, they have both become role models for many others with hearing loss. Their dance video is not just a performance but a celebration of resilience and the power of determination.