Urban Jazz Dance Company (UJDC) is a Black Deaf-led dance organization based in San Francisco, founded by internationally acclaimed Deaf dancer, choreographer, and advocate Antoine Hunter (Purple Fire Crow). Under Hunter’s artistic leadership, alongside Assistant Director Zahna Simon, UJDC creates powerful interdisciplinary dance experiences that celebrate Deaf culture, Black artistry, disability justice, and the expressive possibilities of movement.
Through innovative choreography, performance, education, and community engagement, UJDC brings together Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing (HOH), Disabled, and hearing artists and audiences. The company’s work incorporates American Sign Language, music, rhythm, visual storytelling, and movement to explore identity, belonging, cultural expression, and human connection.
UJDC produces the annual Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival, an internationally recognized gathering that showcases Deaf dancers and choreographers, fosters artistic exchange, and expands opportunities for Deaf artists. In 2026, UJDC launched the World Deaf & Disabled Dance Film Festival, creating an international platform for dance films that center Deaf and Disabled artistic perspectives.
Through performances, festivals, workshops, and collaborations, UJDC advances accessibility and artistic excellence while cultivating meaningful connections across communities. The company continues to strengthen the visibility, leadership, and creative contributions of Deaf and Disabled artists within the performing arts and beyond.
