Interview with Daniel Durant on “Dancing with the Stars”

Renca Dunn, Daily Moth Reporter:
Yesterday we shared the news that Daniel Durant, a Deaf actor who is part of the Oscar-winning film, “CODA,” will be in Dancing with the Stars’ 31st season. We reached out to Daniel to ask him a few questions. Our first question was about how he felt when DWTS asked him to be involved.

Daniel Durant: How do I feel about being part of this show, Dancing with the Stars? It’s amazing. A lot has happened prior to this. As you know, I was part of the movie “CODA.” I went to the Oscars awards red carpet event. I kid you not, but two weeks after the Oscars awards, I told my agency and my manager – my team, that I wanted to be part of DWTS. And for your information, part of my personality is that I love dancing to each beat, especially with heavy bass. I just love dancing and feeling the beats just like Deaf people normally do, right? So, I told my team that I wanted to be part of DWTS. So, after that, two weeks later, I was asked to be involved in the show! I was shocked! It worked out beautifully from the CODA movie and then now this DWTS. A check off of my bucket list! Now, the 3rd thing that I need to check off is to win the mirror ball trophy! That is what I will do! That’s my goal. I am thrilled to be part of this competition and this TV show.

Renca: We asked what Daniels’ goals were with DWTS.

Daniel: My goal on DWTS? Well, I know many of you may wonder like Marlee Matlin, Nyle DiMarco, and now I am the 3rd Deaf person to be involved with this, entering in a hearing world with them thinking how can Deaf people dance? How can we follow the music? Well, that’s why I want to be involved with this to show people that they should not look at me just as a “Deaf person,” but I showed up to get on the challenges not because I am Deaf, but because I am a naturally skilled dancer! I always have it inside of me. I love it. I just met my dancing partner. She is good! We are a good team. She learned ASL very fast. I also have an interpreter and he’s great. His name is Gabe and he is a CODA. He grew up with Deaf parents and now he is my interpreter. He always stands by ready to interpret. Sometimes he will step back as I connect with my partner to become a TEAM. I am really excited to show the world that (to dance) it does not matter whether you are Deaf or not. I also have a lot of stories to share that will inspire many people out there. So this goal here is like my “diamond” opportunity to share my life and my skills too.

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Renca: Marlee Matlin was on DWTS Season 6. Nyle DiMarco was on the 22nd season and won. So we asked Daniel if he got tips from the two.

Daniel: I am very honored to be the third deaf person to be on “Dancing with the Stars.” The first was Marlee Matlin and the second was Nyle DiMarco, who won. I’m the third! I give them my kudos. I look up to Marlee a lot. You know that in “CODA,” Marlee had a role as my mother. And to this day, she still feels like my mother! I’m very close. And when I found out that I’m on DWTS, I immediately texted Marlee and we went on FaceTime. She immediately gave me advice to go and get into the gym and to find private dancing lessons. She said it would be tough with three to four hours of dancing practice daily so I had to be prepared. That was about two months before the start of the show. So I took all of her advice. As for Nyle, we didn’t get in touch. He is a busy man! So I got a lot of advice from Marlee! Thank you, Marlee! ILY.

Renca: We asked if he could share any final comments with the Deaf community.

Daniel: How can deaf people show their support? One thing. Vote! Put in my name. Because I want you and myself included to change the world. It is time for everyone to have more understanding and really listen to us. We’ve been trying to tell others the importance of teaching ASL to deaf children and many other things. We need them to listen. So this opportunity is like a diamond for you and me to change the world. Also, I’m good at dancing. You will see! So, this is important — please vote for me and tell your family and friends, hearing friends, that “I know Daniel! Vote for him!” Then, you and all of us will make changes. And thank you so much for having me here to interview. I love you all.

Renca: Thank you Daniel for your time. DWTS will start on September 19 on Disney+ at 8:00 p.m. EST. We wish Daniel the best of luck.