Short Film: MINE, 8min., USA, Dance

A dance and music collaboration between sisters exploring a coal mining site from the 1920’s where an iconic structure called the Gronk still stands. Body based dance research and song writing were translated based on the mining history of this place. The sisters collected stories and myths on Peanut and Pershing Mine from elders in Crested Butte, CO. Sasha developed gestures and movement themes from the mining stories and Sophia created lyrics and music. The Gronk overlooks spectacular views of Paradise Divide in the West Elk mountain range. The sights are beautiful and popular for outdoor recreation; however sadly still toxic. The land has only partially recuperated from destruction. Mosses are the first step in ecological restoration of toxic mine sites. Very few mosses are growing here. After land violence, how is spirit of place honored?