Ep. 344 Jill & Amnon Damti
Jill and Amnon Damti - Bridging Deaf & Hearing Worlds Through Dance
Jill and Amnon Damti are a pioneering deaf and hearing dance duo whose work transcends physical boundaries and redefines how we communicate. As the creators of the globally recognized "Two Worlds" performance, this Israeli couple bridges the gap between deaf and hearing cultures through a mesmerizing fusion of movement, spoken word, and pantomime. Their partnership is a powerful demonstration of harmony and inclusion, proving that the most profound human connections often happen entirely without sound.
Amnon Damti, profoundly deaf from birth, discovered dance as a vital means of self-expression in a hearing world. After spending ten years in an institution for the hearing-impaired in Jerusalem, he joined the renowned Israeli dance group "Sound and Silence" (Kol Demama) at age 15, eventually becoming its lead dancer for 15 years. His sharp, powerful, and decisive movements earned him global acclaim; Gallaudet University named him the Best International Deaf Dancer, which led to a historic invitation to perform at the White House for President George H.W. Bush in 1990.
Jill and Amnon Danti with Jeanne Pepper August 2026
Jill Damti-Feingold brings a beautifully complementary energy to the stage. Originally from the United States, she moved to Israel as a child and later served as an officer in the Israel Defense Forces, working closely with at-risk youth. With a rich background in gymnastics, water ballet, and film, Jill serves as the narrator, actress, and dancer who grounds their performances with soft, enveloping, and supportive movement. Off-stage, she translates and fills communication gaps, but on stage, their dialogue is a seamless physical exchange.
Gideon Bernstein, Jill Amnon, Jeanne Pepper and Amnon Damti in 2018
