The only constant in the world is change.
Dance is an art form constantly changing and contemporary dancer and choreographer Holly Bright was reminded of that when creating a new piece for Spirit of Shadow/Spirit of Light multimedia arts festival this month.
In the three weeks since Bright began work on the piece, it’s shifted, first with the name as the theme became clear.
Her recent time spent at Qualicum Falls reminded her of the voice of wisdom carried in water. She also desired live, original music while performing the piece, so she contacted Nicole Arendt and Chris Helman, who work in improvisation.
Bright, who also collaborated with fellow contemporary dancer Geneviéve Johnson, and the musicians will work together for the first time when the dance is performed.
“We have already met and had a lengthy discussion,” Bright said. “Next in the creative process is setting up the instruments and trying out what might be possible.”
Participation is encouraged by sharing stories, poetry and songs about rivers and waterways, or exploring movement with the dancers and musicians.
Bright’s work, The Voice of a River: The Making of a Dance, premieres Friday (Feb. 4), 7-9:30 p.m., at Harbour Dancentre, 139 Bastion St.
Admission is by donation with half the proceeds directed to the Nanaimo and Area Land Trust’s Nanaimo River project.
The Voice of a River is the first performance in a month-long festival organized by the arts council, which received money from the provincial government’s Spirit Festivals program.
The festival continues Feb. 11 with a five-year retrospective on the Vancouver Island Short Film Festival.
The film festival screening is set for Feb. 11, 7 p.m., at Malaspina Theatre. Tickets $15 from the arts council or the campus location of the Nanaimo Art Gallery.
The spirit festival continues Feb. 20 with A Piece of Sununeymuxw Storytelling, Dancing and Drumming by the Snuneymuxw First Nation. The free event begins at 2 p.m. at the band office at 668 Centre St.
The festival wraps up Feb. 25-26 with the Chamber Music Festival, put on by the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music. Please call 250-754-4611.
