The Sun and the Moon

Holly Bright

Project Description

One line description: A moving creation story about the love between the Sun and Moon and the arc it paints in the sky.

Short Description: The Sun and the Moon is a dance work choreographed by Holly Bright [Nanaimo, BC] at the invitation and request of author Celestine Aleck [Snuneymuxw First Nation] and created with the talented and magical input of Celestine; dance artists, Genevieve Johnson and Nicola Jackson, composer, Wayne Lavallee, lighting design, John Carter, Drawings, Melvin Good and Video Design: Chimerik 似不像.This is a contemporary creation story. A story about why the Sun and the Moon follow each other. A story of love and the arc it paints in the sky. When next you witness a sunrise, sunset, an eclipse, a meeting of these two beings, remember that the Sun and the Moon will always love each other as well as this planet on which their children thrive.The book, The Sun and the Moon, rich with potential for imagery and metaphor, is the basis for the creation. Though written for children, in Coast Salish style, it speaks to all ages while also opening doors for dialogue regarding conscientious, creative exchange between Indigenous and non-indigenous artists.Celestine and I are aware of the differences in our cultural protocols and artistic contexts, and of current discourse on de-colonialization, re/conciliation and appropriation. This project represents a part of that conversation in our community. We are inspired by this artistic undertaking and are well suited to take it together. It introduces a rare, cross-discipline and cross-cultural exchange and demonstrates what is possible through generative practices and collaborations in the arts. We agree this has potential to impact and inspire the creative sector within the Snuneymuxw community and between that and the non-indigenous community. We share the goal of respectfully inspiring stimulating dialogue, creativity and collaboration amongst artists of all cultures.

The Sun and the Moon by Celestine Aleck, Snuneymuxw First Nations- Strong Nations Publishing, Indigenous and Native American Books, https://www.strongnations.com

Artist Profile

Holly Bright’s professional dance career began in 1986. She is a movement educator, producer, dance artist, choreographer and arts manager. She holds a BA in Dance, a BSc in Human Physiology, Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analysis certification and is licensed to teach GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® Movement practice. Holly is the founder and current director of Crimson Coast Dance Society, an organization that supports contemporary dance in Nanaimo, BC. In 2010 she was recognized by the City of Nanaimo with the Excellence in Culture Award for her contribution to the cultural fabric of the city. Her youth program, Body Talk, was nominated for the 2015 Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce Award for Cultural Vitality – The Arts. She received the 2017 Canada Council / Saidye Bronfman Family’s John Hobday Award for excellence and accomplishment in Arts Management and to revitalize her career through the exploration of developing meaningful relationships with Indigenous people as well as curation, criticism and dramaturgy. She has worked with musical theatre directors, choreographers and companies including; Margie Gillis, Genevieve Johnson, Susanna Hood, Judith Adams, Jeremy Tow, Senta Driver, Hanya Holm, Agnes de Mille, Nina Weiner, Maureen Fleming-Odo, Lynne Taylor Corbett, Helen Myers, Chick Snipper, Kokoro Dance, Judith Marcuse, Lee Eisler, Deborah Dunn, Judith Garay, Jennifer Mascall and Cheryl Prophet.

www.crimsoncoastdance.org
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www.instagram.com/hollybright2/
www.youtube.com/channel/UCikO8aAkZMV3w6t4ZGKUhrg
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FULL LENGTH

Video Password: Edge

Credits: See image titles.
Port Theatre footage: Paul Manly, youtube
Dancing on the Edge Video: Chris Randle