The Sun and the Moon brings a Coast Salish story to poetic life, February 24 to 26

Vancouver International Dance Festival presents the work by Nanaimo’s Holly Bright and Snuneymuxw author Celestine Aleck

 
 

Vancouver International Dance Festival presents The Sun and the Moon from February 24 to 26

 

IT’S A COAST SALISH creation story of aching beauty: the Sun and the Moon love each other, but must make the difficult choice to separate in order to expand the earth. They part for the sake of their children, but the Moon takes it hard and falls apart. Eventually, Creator allows the Sun and Moon to reconnect again during an eclipse, as well as at sunrise and sunset.

Now the tale finds poetic retelling through contemporary dance, in a Crimson Coast Dance Society production featuring choreography by Nanaimo-based Holly Bright, based on Snuneymuxw author Celestine Aleck’s children’s book The Sun and the Moon.

A creative exchange between Indigenous and non-indigenous artists, the piece appeals to all ages, the dancers bringing to life the characters. Cole Good has created ethereal costumes with flowing, gauzy sheets of fabric, as well as bones, feathers, and Snuneymuxw art, all set within vivid sky and landscape imagery by Chimerik.

It's a lyrical, visually dazzling ode to nature, as well as the sacrifices we make for love.  

 
 
 
 
 

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DANCEJanet SmithVIDF, Vancouver International Dance Festival