Members: Janie Kahan, Brittany Holsman, Celia Grabill-Sulski

Through pop songs, rap and movie quotes Kahan, Holsman, and Grabill-Sulski show South the culture of American Sign Language. They interpret modern songs into Sign Language.

Q&A with junior Janie Kahan

Q: Who came up with the idea to do Happy Hands and how?

A: “Originally, two years ago, I would say that I instigated the group and idea. However, all of us were thinking it. […] I want to expose the general public  to the wonders of American Sign Language. I wanted to take the messages of those movie quotes and songs and show them to people through a different lens.”

Q: What is your favorite part of V-Show?

A: “My favorite thing to perform is my happy hands club act. I love the music, the bass in the auditorium is insane. Also, the audience is being exposed to something that they most likely haven’t seen before. I love just letting the signs take over my body as I communicate those complicated rap lyrics.”

Q: Did your act take a lot of preparation and time?

A: “It took a ridiculous amount of time. Song selection was so hard because we need to pick songs that all people of all ages  can recognize or relate to. In addition, they have to look good visually. Then, […] we go line by line to try and figure out the best way to sign something. […] Brittany, Celia and I stood in front of my bathroom mirror for hours drilling it and trying to be in sync. It took a lot of time, and preparation, but it was so worth it.”