Chris Fonseca: Breaking barriers with SUBPAC technology

In a world that often isn’t accessible for d/Deaf people, professional dancer and choreographer Chris Fonseca is determined to share his passion for movement.

In a break between choreographing a new brand-new accessible show and performing in a BSL-led cabaret event at Shakespeare’s Globe, we caught up with Chris to find out what inspires him, how he uses ground-breaking technology, and what advice he would give young deaf dancers.

Hi Chris. Can you tell us about yourself and what dance means to you?

I’m Chris Fonseca, born and raised in the heart of southeast London. I’m a dance artist, choreographer, teacher, actor, and presenter. Dancing is my stress relief. It allows me to release tension and frustration, and is therapeutic through movement, helping me return to a state of calm and well-being. Additionally, it allows me to express myself creatively with passion.

Why did you start dancing?

I began dancing during my teenage years, at the age of twelve or thirteen - I had been quite active as a child. It was my aunt who recommended that I watch the classic 1984 street dance movie Breakin’. As soon as I first saw dancer and actor Michael ‘Boogaloo Shrimp’ Chambers move, I knew that I was fascinated with dancing. I love the movements in various street dance styles and how they inspired me to dance visually.

Can you explain how you feel the music and what technology you use to enhance your experience as a deaf dancer?

The vibrations of the music ripple like water, and I ground myself by firmly planting my feet on the floor, allowing the energy to flow from my toes to my head. Before I begin moving, it’s important for me to grasp the structure of the music.

The ways in which individuals on the deaf spectrum experience and connect with music are diverse. Speaking from my personal experience, my relationship with music is unique. I have a cochlear implant in my left ear, which is a tool that doesn’t transmit all the same frequencies as natural hearing. As a result, I am unable to fully perceive music in the same way. However, by simultaneously listening and feeling the music, I have trained my neurotransmitters to discern the beats I want to dance to within the layers of the music.

I also sometimes use a SUPBAC when dancing. Wearing this enhances my experience and enables me to identify intricate beats and comprehend layers when creating choreography. It provides a better understanding of musicality, allowing me, as a deaf person, to absorb and enjoy music.

What advice would you give to a young deaf person who wants to pursue dance?

Breaking barriers by doing what I love hasn’t been an easy ride. I’ve spent years creating my own formula and finding the right recipe for overcoming my journey – the 3 Ps. I want to share them with you all:

Passion - Having passion is energy, something you’ve always been obsessed with, fuelling your self-motivation, and leading you towards your purpose.

Persistence - Being persistent is what makes the impossible possible in any circumstance, always pushing through with determination that exceeds doubt.

Patience - Patience is key. Trusting the process and understanding that achieving the results you’ve always wanted takes time.

Focus on your ability, not your disability. Discover more about Chris and his work at www.chrisfonseca.co

He is currently choreographing a new brand-new accessible Theatre show, High Times and Dirty Monsters. You can find out more about the show in our What’s On section.

What is SUBPAC?

SUBPAC is a wearable device that transforms audio into low-frequency vibrations that the wearer can feel on their body. The vibrations then pulse through bones to the inner ear and are sensed as hearing.

This incredible technology allows Chris and many other members of the d/Deaf community to experience music in a new way – through physical sensations. Acting almost like surround sound for the body, SUBPAC means he can immerse himself in the rhythm and beats.

Find out more about SUBPAC at www.subpac.com