QUEENS OF UNWANTED THINGS

A multi-sensory dance exhibition on the theme of nature, recycling and human impact.

The earth is an amazing planet with rich nature life, gigantic forests and huge oceans. Unfortunately, it is no longer only footprints that we humans leaves behind.

In the dance exhibition Queens Of Unwanted Things, we step into the world of recycling. From the top of the active volcano El Fuego in Guatemala to the depths of Sala silver mine in Sweden. Through colourful photography series and poignant short films, cinematic music, costume installation and live dance performances, a unique space is created for in-depth dialogue about human impact, where trash is transformed into innovation.

BACKGROUND

The project started in the summer of 2020 with a spontaneous idea for a short dance film. Since then, the project has evolved into a concept for a dance exhibition in constant motion. An exhibition that can continue to develop side by side with society, for many decades to come.

In 2024, the short film Queens Of Unwanted Things has been at film festivals screened throughout Europe and Cuba including the ScreenDance Festival at Dansmuseet in Stockholm, the Dance Film Festival at Ringön in Gothenburg, the Boreal Screendance Festival in Iceland, and at the Swedish Embassy in Cuba.

In the fall of 2024 the production received Västmanlandsmusikens dance residency in Sala. The residency was conducted in collaboration with Sala Municipality, Sala Amatörteaterförening Cameleonterna, Sala Teaterförening and Riksteatern Västmanland. During the residency choreographer and dancer Anna Holmström worked together with composer and videografer Patrick Zylka to create a solo live dance performance that takes place through the exhibition, as well as a recording of a short dance film in the depths of Sala Silver Mine.

“It felt like I was in a dream. Not a dream of the future, but… one of those dreams you have when you’re asleep.
At first, it was a little scary, but then it was just exciting. I didn’t want it to end!

– Middle School student, Sala

FORMAT

The format of Queens Of Unwanted Things can be tailored to your preferences and spatial conditions. It can be presented in traditional spaces such as museums, galleries or libraries, but it also works well in spaces that are not typically used for dance and visual arts.

SUPPORT