As preparations for the 12th Shenzhen Sign Language Song Charity Concert continue to build momentum across the Shenzhen–Hong Kong border, the Hong Kong Association of the Deaf (HKAD) is contributing its own special energy to the grand event themed “Fingertips Dancing Across the Bay Area.” With two contrasting performances in progress, the association is bringing both vitality and warmth to this celebration of inclusion and artistry.
As a long-standing organization dedicated to supporting the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, HKAD has always embraced the mission of “Letting the Silent World Shine.” From everyday sign language classes to diverse artistic projects, the association provides a welcoming platform where members can communicate, grow, and express themselves freely. Every class, every performance, becomes a space where passion finds its voice — even without sound.
The association’s performance team is composed mainly of silver-haired women with an average age of around sixty. Though their world is quieter than most, their love for art has never faded. For the upcoming concert, they are preparing two pieces that perfectly reflect their spirit: the upbeat “The Unruly Wind”, a jazz dance that channels youthful energy and confidence through crisp hand movements; and the tender “Need You Every Minute,” performed in gentle sign language to express affection for life and the warmth of companionship.
Under the long-term guidance of HKAD’s own sign language and dance instructors, the team follows a simple but heartfelt motto — “Happy Performing.” Their teachers understand the members’ physical and sensory needs deeply, never overloading rehearsals with complex moves or pressure. Instead, they focus on helping everyone find comfort, joy, and self-expression within familiar rhythms — letting each performer dance not for perfection, but for happiness.
When Teacher Liang Bing, a veteran dance instructor and long-time supporter of the Shenzhen Sign Language Song Concert, first visited HKAD on July 30, he was immediately moved by the team’s approach. Rather than changing their pace, he offered gentle suggestions — helping refine emotional gestures and stage presence while keeping the process light and relaxed. His involvement added a thoughtful touch, helping the silver-haired team feel even more confident and radiant in their art.
Much of this steady progress owes thanks to Ms. Tang, the bridge between teachers and performers. As a key member of HKAD’s teaching and coordination team, she not only provides daily sign language instruction but also acts as an interpreter during rehearsals — conveying feedback, clarifying ideas, and ensuring that every adjustment flows smoothly between sign and movement. Her presence keeps the team connected and supported at every step.
HKAD’s chairperson also personally welcomed the visiting team. From the moment we stepped into the center, she greeted us with a warm smile, her eyes full of kindness. Seeing that we had arrived under the summer heat, she quickly signed for us to sit and rest, instructed staff to bring drinks, and even handed us tissues to wipe away sweat — her care evident in every gesture. Though few words were spoken, her attentiveness said more than language ever could.
Later, during the closing interview session, she shared her reflections through sign language paired with simple speech. Her gratitude was clear and heartfelt, as was her hope for deeper connection between the two cities.
Also joining the event was Mr. Chen Jiaxing, the social media creator responsible for filming and editing the day’s activities. Fluent in Cantonese, he effortlessly communicated with the Hong Kong members, capturing authentic moments of laughter, concentration, and joy. Whether filming the subtle choreography of their practice or listening to their hopes for the performance, Chen’s sensitivity and empathy infused every frame with warmth and resonance — making the images not just records, but reflections of shared humanity.
Before the camera of Huaxia Times reporter Ms. Hu, both the chairperson and Ms. Tang shared their thoughts in sign language. Smiling as she signed, Ms. Tang expressed deep pride:
“Our sisters may be older, and hearing may not come easily, but they’ve put their hearts into these two songs. They want every sign to carry emotion, every move to flow with rhythm. Even the costume changes — they’ve practiced them over and over! We don’t chase difficult choreography; we just hope they can enjoy themselves on stage, express freely, and share their happiness with everyone. That’s what truly matters.”
As the interview drew to a close, the chairperson signed her message of gratitude:
“Thank you to our friends from Shenzhen. May the connection between our two communities grow stronger, and may the charity concert in September be a great success. Wishing everyone good health and happiness!”
Her hands moved with grace and conviction — a farewell gesture that carried both blessing and unity, embodying the shared dream of the Shenzhen–Hong Kong bond.
This touching encounter would not have been possible without the attentive coverage of Huaxia Times, whose storytelling allows silent devotion to be seen and felt by more people. It also reflects the broader spirit of integration across the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, where compassion and collaboration transcend geography and difference.
The open-mindedness and inclusivity at the heart of both cities have created a fertile stage for people with and without disabilities to grow together. And at the heart of it all are individuals like Teacher Liang, Mr. Chen, and Ms. Tang — people who bring professionalism, sincerity, and perseverance to every moment of the concert’s journey. Through their efforts, love and hope ripple from fingertip to fingertip, taking root quietly in every heart.
When the rhythmic energy of “The Unruly Wind” meets the tender grace of “Need You Every Minute” under the stage lights, and when the silver-haired performers share joyful smiles between costume changes, their presentation will transcend performance itself.
It will stand as a living testament to the vitality of the silent world, a symbol of Hong Kong–Shenzhen collaboration in compassion, and a preview of the hope and harmony awaiting us on the September stage.
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