For the first time in 13 years, Störling Dance Theater’s “Butterfly” takes flight on April 12 and 13 at the historic Folly Theater.
Vivid, yet graceful, in its portrayal of the realities of Alzheimer’s disease, “Butterfly” highlights the beauty of every stage of life, even when that beauty seems to be elusive, as if veiled inside a cocoon.
“Butterfly” chronicles the story of fictional character Helen Bernard and her family as they manage the diagnosis and effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
“When I walked through my own experience loving people who were dealing with Alzheimer’s, I was often reminded of the beauty within my loved ones, even amidst the many difficult situations and emotions the disease evoked,” said Artistic Director and Choreographer Mona Störling-Enna.
“I would catch glimpses of that beauty. Sometimes it seemed trapped inside, easy to forget, but it was still there. They were still there. I wanted to create a work that reminded us all of that beauty.”
An audience and dancer favorite, the production is filled with vibrant costumes, a captivating musical score led by the sounds of Philip Glass and Störling-Enna’s poignant choreography, characteristic of any classic Störling ballet.
As audience members journey with Helen and her family throughout the production, they will leave encouraged they are not alone and filled with hope for the beauty that remains.
Originally premiered at Folly Theater in 2004, the message of “Butterfly” is as relevant as ever with so many people directly or indirectly affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Of its premiere, the Kansas City Star dubbed “Butterfly” as “one of those rare occasions when an artistic gamble really paid off”, describing it as “a very human story with pathos, intelligence, humor and guts” and “a totally successful piece of dance theater.”
The show’s program will include helpful resources for audience members directly affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Performances are Friday and Saturday, April 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $25-$50, with student tickets available for $15. To purchase, visit www.storlingdance.org/events.
Launched in 1996, Störling Dance Theater is a Kansas City-based, neo-classical dance company. In addition to local performances, the group has toured the United States, Canada and Central Asia. Störling Dance Theater is the professional dance company in residence at The Culture House, one of Kansas City’s premier arts centers located in Olathe, Kan., and home to Störling Conservatory at Visible Music College. For more information, visit www.storlingdance.org.
