Hip Hop Heals

Jasmine Archer

Hello! My name is Jasmine. I am 15 years old and I love to dance. When I was a baby in Belize, before I got my Cochlear Implant, my Mom would play music and I would feel the vibrations and start to dance. Once I turned 7 years old, I got my Cochlear Implant and really started loving music because I could finally hear it and feel it when I danced! I joined Hip Hop Heals Most DEAFinitely because I have a great passion for music and dance and want to show everyone that Deafness cannot stop a dancer!

Kevin Tua

Hey! I’m Kevin, a 22 year old New Yorker who’s always enjoyed dancing and I’m always highly motivated to try new and adventurous things. This is what brought me to the HHHMDDC auditions. Excited to be a part of the group, I like to share my enthusiasm and ideas with the other members. I am dedicated to showing the world that Deaf people, just like me, can really dance! I like the challenge of learning a new routine and I try to be an active participant in the creative process. I love working with Lauren and Jamie J as I think they are cool people who are dedicated to showcasing HHHMDDC’s talents to the world!

Rafael Tejera

My name is Rafael, I’m 22 years old and I was born in the Dominican Republic. I have lived in New York City for 6 years, and have been dancing in Hip Hop Heals Most DEAFinitely for the last 2 and a half years. Dancing is what motivates me every day, and my goal is to be the best dancer I can be. I like to create my own choreography and love helping Jamie J and Lauren create new dance routines. I like dancing to Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Justin Timberlake – they always make me want to move. I want to help other people follow their passion, just like I am, and dance!!

Shakenna Stephens

Hi! My name is Shakenna, and I’m a 26 year old, Hard of Hearing Brooklyn native with a passion for hip hop dance! I love to dance and have always wanted to audition to be a part of a dance company. I was ecstatic when I learned of the auditions for Hip Hop Heals Most DEAFinitely Dance Company, because I knew in my heart if I did my best that I would make it and I did! Jamie and Lauren are very nice teachers who really care about Deaf people and understand that we feel the beats through our feet, even when we can’t hear all the sounds. I am so glad Lauren started HHHMD, because it gave me an opportunity that Deaf people haven’t had before: to feel comfortable dancing hip hop in a group of people just like me!

Shanika Hewitt

Hey! I’m Shanika, I’m a 21 year old living in Brooklyn. I started dancing when I was a little girl, and always liked to be involved in performances at school. I love to watch music videos and copy the moves, so when I realized Hip Hop Heals Most DEAFinitely was having auditions for its Dance Company, I knew I wouldn’t miss it for anything! I love dance because it helps me express how I feel. I always feel good dancing and listening to/feeling the rhythms feels awesome. I want to encourage other Deaf/Hard of Hearing people to stay true to themselves and follow their passion for dance, as I have. It’s not about that I can’t hear or speak, it’s about the beauty of dance. HHHMDDC is so amazing, Lauren is so helpful interpreting and Jamie J comes up with the best choreography; they both have a lot of heart and always let us all know that we are worth it!