'CODA' actor Daniel Durant gave insight into what it's like to dance on DWTS when you're deaf

'CODA' actor Daniel Durant gave insight into what it's like to dance on DWTS when you're deaf

Actor Daniel Durant, who is deaf and starred in the film CODA, is officially a semifinalist on Season 31 of Dancing With the Stars. His success on the show leaves audiences wondering what it's like to perform on a dance competition show without being able to listen to music.

On the November 7 episode of the show, Durant and his partner Britt Stewart gave a glimpse of what it's like to dance as a deaf person: They opted to have the music cut out in the middle of their jazz routine.

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After the music abruptly stopped playing, the partners continued dancing until silence for a section of the number. The routine offered an incredible insight into the artistry, partnership and trust required to dance when you can't hear the music.

To say the election was powerful would be an understatement. The routine, which earned a near-perfect score of 39 out of 40, brought both live viewers and judges to tears. “It was so incredibly powerful because it made me realize how much I depend on the music,” said judge Derek Hough, who was visibly emotional as he made his comments.

Durant seemed to understand the importance of being able to share his experiences on the show. “I’m so happy,” the actor said with an American Sign Language interpreter after his performance. "I felt free. I'm here and I have to show the world that I'm successful and you can be successful no matter what."

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The dance also meant a lot to Stewart. “That was a very profound moment for me,” she said. “Being able to experience what he goes through and how he experiences life as his partner was just so profound for me, and it made our connection even stronger this week.”

She also reflected on the powerful number in an Instagram post with a clip of her performance. “I always have a hard time finding the words after something really touches me,” Stewart wrote. “Last night felt profound and bigger than Daniel and me,” she continued. "Daniel, thank you for letting us into your world last night. You are changing my life."

Durant isn't the first deaf Dancing With the Stars contestant. His CODA co-star Marlee Matlin competed on the show's sixth season, and model Nyle DiMarco won the show's 22nd season.

Overall, Durant's latest dance number is another step in highlighting what people of all abilities are capable of. (Next: What it means for a neurodivergent person to see Selma Blair on 'Dancing with the Stars')