Sweetheart Dancers.

Contributor(s):

Material type: Film

FilmPublisher number: 11494689 | KanopyPublisher: Documentary Educational Resources, 2019Publisher: [San Francisco, California, USA] : Kanopy Streaming, 2020Description: 1 online resource (streaming video file) (14 minutes): digital, .flv file, soundContent type:

two-dimensional moving image

Media type:

computer

Carrier type:

online resource

Subject(s):

Genre/Form:

Documentary films.

Online resources:

Summary: Indigenous dancers Sean and Adrian challenge the rulebook of San Manuel's Native American Sweetheart Special as they attempt to compete in the annual couple's competition. Dancing not only against the other dancers, but against the drums of oppression and closed-mindedness, this two-spirit couple is determined to rewrite the rules of "one man, one woman" with their resplendent charisma, character and resilience. Director, Ben-Alex Dupris explains the origin of the film. "This story is rooted in an incident where the first Two Spirit couple, Sean Snyder and Adrian Stevens, decided to enter a Sweetheart special competition at one big influential powwow. This had never been attempted before in modern tribal dance circles and they were disqualified for not adhering to the rule of the "one man, one woman" competition. This led to a year of reflection, and thoughtful preparation for the next year where they courageously returned to the same powwow and were allowed to compete. This success story of resilience, and the action of love provided a talking point that spans decades of colonization with Indigenous communities. Prior to the Catholic boarding school era, LGBTQIA were accepted and respected by Native people. This story, and the spiritual renewal of our sacred Identities is one that leaves the audience with a greater understanding of our tribal lifeways. Within our hearts we are all one." SWEETHEART DANCERS was directed by Ben-Alex Dupris, an enrolled member of the Colville Confederated Tribes in Washington State, where he grew up.

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Film

In Process Record.

Originally produced by Documentary Educational Resources in 2019.

Indigenous dancers Sean and Adrian challenge the rulebook of San Manuel's Native American Sweetheart Special as they attempt to compete in the annual couple's competition. Dancing not only against the other dancers, but against the drums of oppression and closed-mindedness, this two-spirit couple is determined to rewrite the rules of "one man, one woman" with their resplendent charisma, character and resilience. Director, Ben-Alex Dupris explains the origin of the film. "This story is rooted in an incident where the first Two Spirit couple, Sean Snyder and Adrian Stevens, decided to enter a Sweetheart special competition at one big influential powwow. This had never been attempted before in modern tribal dance circles and they were disqualified for not adhering to the rule of the "one man, one woman" competition. This led to a year of reflection, and thoughtful preparation for the next year where they courageously returned to the same powwow and were allowed to compete. This success story of resilience, and the action of love provided a talking point that spans decades of colonization with Indigenous communities. Prior to the Catholic boarding school era, LGBTQIA were accepted and respected by Native people. This story, and the spiritual renewal of our sacred Identities is one that leaves the audience with a greater understanding of our tribal lifeways. Within our hearts we are all one." SWEETHEART DANCERS was directed by Ben-Alex Dupris, an enrolled member of the Colville Confederated Tribes in Washington State, where he grew up.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

In English