Heartsongs

seeing the plastic ocean

A collaboration with Jill Palese of Call 2 Action Clothing and Alyssa Fortin Photography

Music: Ensemble Pi, Errollyn Wallen and Sparky Deathcap

Choreography: Avery Saulnier de Reyes & Janelle Gilchrist

Dancers: Cayla Blake, Morgan Brown Sanborn, Emily Entingh, Kendra Frank, Janelle Gilchrist and Rheya Shano

Inspired by Alyssa’s underwater photography and Jill’s dedication to creating sustainable swimwear to help keep plastics out of the ocean, this piece came about over three years of photography sessions, a fashion show in Miami, and many conversations about plastic bra cups. “Seeing the Plastic Ocean” begins with a glamorous solo evoking busy-ness, luxury and wasteful self-absorption. Performing her own choreography, Janelle Gilchrist interprets the role while also manipulating a fantastic costume made of layers of entirely recycled materials.  A second section works marine life into the mix, set to Errollyn Waller’s oily, unctuous and foreboding music.

Finally, a third section of choreography uses a process Avery learned from climate scientist Jun Shepard, who choreographed a ballet using a climate prediction algorithm to synchronize the dancers. The ballet, called “The Second Mover,” brought awareness to the theory that the second adopter of any new technology is more important than the inventor because they lend credence to its effectiveness and therefore many people become willing to try something new - an idea key to slowing climate change. For “Seeing the Plastic Ocean,” Avery created one phrase that builds in speed and in synchronicity throughout the section, reflecting the growing speed of climate change and the narrowing of the biosphere at once.

By utilizing Jun’s process, we become the real-life “second movers” and hope to bring awareness to the plastics in our oceans and the climate crisis. Learn more about C2A Clothing and Alyssa Fortin Photography here.