This is an initial exploration in groundedness, tension, and release, and how each of these are connected to the climate crisis. Action springs from the release, which is initiated by the buildup of tension, exploring the question: how do we move from growing anxiety and tension surrounding the climate crisis to positive, swift action? Through tension and release, collective, albeit distant, action is found. 

 

Working from each of our homes, one in Minneapolis and one in Two Harbors, Minnesota, has facilitated deeper and more embodied recognition of the sacredness and histories of the earth on which we live, breathe, and move. This study is rooted in the knowledge that environmentally degrading processes, such as deforestation, mining and its impacts on land and water, and harmful government policies are products of settler colonialism, and that the land on which we dance is native to Dakota/Lakota and Ojibwe communities. 

 

We hope to promote a communal dialogue between art-makers and digital ‘witnesses’ by making work that challenges the proscenium setting. By doing this, we hope that this piece focuses less on the product meant for viewing and more about the living, breathing ideas and conversations that arise from improvisational scores. We acknowledge that since environmental justice issues are so numerous and multi-layered, there will be aspects that do not receive as much attention due to the limits of this specific study.

 

We would love to talk about this study, hear your feedback, and think about possibilities for future collaboration. Our emails are toribreen@gmail.com and pmachommes@gmail.com.