Biography
Born in Walsall, Billy became profoundly Deaf at the age of three. Growing up, he showed a keen interest in music and art. At age eleven Billy first tried out music, and played drums in the school band.
It wasn't until the age of 21 that Billy discovered his talent for dance. Already a big Michael Jackson fan, Billy started to learn all of MJ's moves from YouTube videos, and became a self-taught MJ impersonator. Despite no formal training, Billy utilised his self-taught skills to start down the path of becoming a dancer and an artist, forming his own Deaf dance crew, and travelling the world networking with other professional Deaf dancers.
Billy is a fresh, exciting choreographer, and an inspiring teacher of dance.
"It is never too late to be what you might have been."
–George Eliot
Career Highlights
COMMISSIONS
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British Council & Unlimited: International Collaboration with Tunisia-based Deaf Dancer (2021)
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Arts Council England: WE ARE THE REVOLUTION (2021)
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Arts Council England: Developing Your Creative Practice (2021)
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Arts Council England: FORBIDDEN IDENTITY (2019)
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Arts Council England: B-Side Festival (2019)
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Arts Council England: SIGN CRIMINAL (2018)
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UNLIMITED International Collaboration R&D Award: Somebody's Watching Me (2017)
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Arts Council England: Like Mirabai (2016)
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Arts Council England: Birmingham Weekender (2015)
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Arts Council England: International Collaboration with US-based Deaf Dancer (2014)
DANCE FACILITATOR
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UK Deaf Sport, #DeafActiveOnline (2020-current)
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School Residencies nationwide (2019-current)
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The Complete Freedom Of Truth, Europe (2014-2018)
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Dance Steptacular, Walsall (2017-2019)
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NDCS Raising The Bar, Birmingham & Portsmouth (2015)
MUSIC VIDEOS & CAMPAIGNS
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Creative Black Country: KINETIC CONNECTIVITY, Street Dance in Lockdown Tutorial Videos (2020)
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UNSILENCED: Music Video with HAUTE for Parole aux Sourds, commissioned by BETC. Paris (2017)
PERFORMER
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Appetite Stoke: The Big Feast Festival, Stoke (Aug 2021)
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Blue Peter, live TV performance for Deaf Awareness Week (May 2021)
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Frontline Arts Festival, Stoke-On-Trent (Oct 2019)
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Deaf Rave 15th Anniversary (Sept 2018)
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DREAM DANCE International Deaf Dance Showcase, Hong Kong (July 2016)
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Deaf Expo, Coimbatore, India (Dec 2015)
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Deaffest Deaf Film Festival, Wolverhampton (2011-2015)
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Birmingham Weekender, Flashmob in Birmingham City Centre (Sept 2015)
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Bay Area Deaf Dance Festival, San Francisco USA (Aug 2014)
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INCLOODU Festival, London (Nov 2013)
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Festival Clin d'Oeil, Reims, France (July 2013)
DEF MOTION
Founder / Creative Director
In 2011 Billy founded the all-Deaf dance crew Def Motion. Creating routines and Michael Jackson-inspired choreography, Billy toured the crew around the UK and abroad at various festivals, schools and community events.
Education and Skills
NATD Teacher in Street Dance (2017)
NATD Associate in Street Dance (2016)
Graphic Design BA (Hons)
Wolverhampton University (2012)
BTEC National Diploma in Art Foundation
Walsall College (2008)
A-Levels x3 | GCSEs x9 (Grades A-C)
Mary Hare School 1999-2006
Representation
Social Media
@DefMotion
facebook.com/DefMotion
@DefMotion
Def Motion
Billy Read: World Traveller
Did you know Billy is also a travel blogger?
Head over to BRB | Gone Somewhere Epic to follow Billy's journey across the world in search of epic adventures, hidden gems, natural wonder, and great coffee - all on a budget!
