Erica Tremblay, a storyteller deeply rooted in the Seneca-Cayuga Nation, has carved a unique path in filmmaking, transitioning from personal narratives to impactful cinematic creations. Her journey, sparked by family tales and community bonds, has culminated in her feature debut, Fancy Dance, a film that’s resonating deeply within and beyond Indigenous communities. This film, starring the acclaimed Lily Gladstone, is more than just a movie; it’s a powerful exploration of kinship, tradition, and resilience, all woven around the central theme of family and, metaphorically, the enduring spirit of dance.
Tremblay’s early inspiration stemmed from the rich oral traditions of her heritage. These stories, shared by family and community members, ignited a passion for narrative that first manifested in amateur filmmaking and later evolved into a successful career in video production for advertising and corporate sectors. However, the desire to tell more profound, cinematic stories remained a driving force. This ambition led her to the Sundance Native Lab, a pivotal step where she workshopped her short film, Little Chief, also starring Lily Gladstone. The short premiered at the prestigious 2020 Sundance Film Festival, marking a significant milestone in her career. Her talent then extended to television, where she contributed as a writer and director for FX’s acclaimed Reservation Dogs and as an executive story editor for AMC’s Dark Winds, further honing her skills and broadening her storytelling scope.
Simultaneously, Tremblay dedicated herself to her feature film debut, Fancy Dance. Co-written with Miciana Alise, the film journeyed through Sundance’s Screenwriting, Directing, and Creative Producing Labs, garnering prestigious accolades such as the Walter Bernstein Screenwriting Fellowship and the Maja Kristin Directing Fellowship. Fancy Dance premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, followed by screenings at SXSW, Sun Valley Film Festival, Outfest LA, and BFI London Film Festival, building anticipation for its wider release.
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In Fancy Dance, Gladstone portrays Jax, a woman grappling with the disappearance of her sister while raising her niece Roki (Isabel Deroy-Olson). As the investigation into her sister’s disappearance stalls, and social services intervene, removing Roki from Jax’s care, aunt and niece embark on a journey to the state powwow. This journey is not just an escape but a continuation of a cherished family tradition amidst personal tragedy. The film, which also features Ryan Begay, Crystle Lightning, Audrey Wasilewski, and Shea Whigham, is set to be released in select theaters on June 21 and will be available for global streaming on Apple TV+ starting June 28.
In a conversation, Erica Tremblay shared insights into the genesis of Fancy Dance and the intricate process of bringing it to life.
From Language to Narrative: The Inspiration Behind “Fancy Dance”
The initial spark for Fancy Dance ignited during Tremblay’s immersion in her ancestral language, Cayuga. Learning that “kno:ha” meant “mother” and “kno:ha:ah,” signifying “aunt on your mother’s side,” translated to “little mother,” resonated deeply with her. This linguistic nuance revealed the strength of matrilineal kinship within Haudenosaunee culture, inspiring her to craft a contemporary narrative centered around an aunt and niece relationship. The image of these two women dancing together became a central motif, evolving into the compelling story of Fancy Dance. To develop this vision, Tremblay collaborated with Miciana Alise, a Tlingit writer, whose comedic sensibilities and shared understanding of Indigenous storytelling enriched the script.
Their collaboration, born from a connection at the Sundance Native Lab, proved invaluable. Tremblay admired Alise’s rom-com script and recognized the need for a similar dynamic in Fancy Dance. The story of Jax and Roki, while addressing serious themes, also needed moments of lightness and relatable relationship dynamics. Alise’s humor and collaborative spirit provided crucial support, especially when navigating the heavier aspects of the film. This partnership underscored the importance of shared creative burdens and mutual encouragement in filmmaking.
Sundance Labs: A Crucible for Creativity and Community
Tremblay emphasizes the profound impact of the Sundance Labs on her career, not just as a filmmaker but as a storyteller. From the Indigenous Labs to the Screenwriters and Directors Labs, these programs provided formative experiences and lasting relationships. One of her earliest mentors, Sterlin Harjo, later became the showrunner for Reservation Dogs, highlighting the enduring connections forged at Sundance. This community extended beyond mentorship, offering peer support and critical feedback throughout her projects. For Tremblay, who entered filmmaking without formal training and initially unaware of directing as a career path for women, Sundance provided essential validation and support. The labs offered not just guidance but a sense of belonging and possibility, crucial for her development as a storyteller.
Casting Jax and Roki: Finding the Heart of the Film
The role of Jax was always envisioned for Lily Gladstone. Their previous collaboration on the short film Little Chief had established a strong working relationship and a mutual understanding. Tremblay recognized Gladstone’s exceptional talent and the audience’s connection to her portrayals of Indigenous characters. Gladstone’s early involvement in Fancy Dance was pivotal, contributing to the character’s development from script to screen.
Finding the right actor for Roki required an extensive search. Inspired by the casting process for The Florida Project, Tremblay initiated the search for Roki early in the film’s development. After seeing numerous talented young Indigenous actors, Isabel Deroy-Olson emerged unexpectedly. Initially considered for a role in Dark Winds, Deroy-Olson’s audition tape revealed her to be the perfect Roki. The chemistry between Deroy-Olson and Gladstone was immediate and palpable during the pre-production period, which included language immersion and dance lessons. This on-screen connection was so strong that Gladstone recommended Deroy-Olson for the role of young Lily in Under the Bridge, further cementing their bond.
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Directing Dynamics: Collaboration and Trust
Directing her first feature film, Tremblay embraced a collaborative approach, emphasizing trust in her actors and crew. Having directed episodes of Reservation Dogs and her short film, she approached Fancy Dance as a significant learning experience, relying on the strengths of her collaborators. She recognized Gladstone’s depth and experience, allowing for a seamless director-actor dynamic. Similarly, she encouraged Deroy-Olson’s natural talent, providing space for her to embody Roki authentically. Tremblay valued the collective journey, fostering an environment of shared creativity and mutual support on set. Gladstone’s inclusive spirit, evident in her career-long advocacy for Indigenous representation, further enriched this collaborative atmosphere.
Language and Authenticity: Weaving Cayuga into the Narrative
Language played a crucial role in Fancy Dance, both thematically and practically. Inspired by her Cayuga language immersion, Tremblay integrated the language into the film’s DNA. Keysa Parker, her language consultant and fellow immersion program participant, was involved from the script stage, ensuring linguistic and cultural accuracy. The cast participated in language immersion before filming, learning basic Cayuga phrases. Parker remained on set to guide them throughout production. Beyond dialogue, Cayuga was woven into the filmmaking process itself, with set calls translated and used by the crew, creating an immersive and authentic environment. This commitment to language revitalization positions Fancy Dance as a significant contribution to Cayuga culture.
A Proactive Path: Making Stories Happen
Tremblay’s career trajectory highlights a proactive approach to storytelling. From initiating projects to seeking collaborations and securing funding, she embodies a spirit of making opportunities rather than waiting for them. This proactive stance stems from a deep-seated need to tell stories, rooted in early experiences of witnessing the power of oral narratives within her community. Her journey, from backyard reenactments of Dirty Dancing to directing feature films, reflects a consistent drive to connect with audiences through storytelling. Filmmaking, for Tremblay, is inherently collaborative, a process of bringing people together to realize a shared vision. This collaborative and proactive ethos is essential in the independent film industry, where initiative and community are paramount.
Fancy Dance is more than just a film; it’s a testament to Erica Tremblay’s vision, her collaborative spirit, and her commitment to telling authentic Indigenous stories. Through the lens of Jax and Roki’s journey, the film beautifully captures the complexities of family, tradition, and the enduring power of cultural identity. As audiences prepare to Fancy A Dance with this film, they are invited into a world rich with emotion, resilience, and the vibrant spirit of Indigenous cinema.
Learn more about Fancy Dance on Apple TV+.
