James’s Grandpa has the best balloons because he has the best memories. He has balloons showing Dad when he was young and Grandma when they were married. Grandpa has balloons about camping and Aunt Nelle’s poor cow. Grandpa also has a silver balloon filled with the memory of a fishing trip he and James took together.
But when Grandpa’s balloons begin to float away, James is heartbroken. No matter how hard he runs, James can’t catch them. One day, Grandpa lets go of the silver balloon – and he doesn’t even notice!
Grandpa no longer has balloons of his own. But James has many more than before. It’s up to him to share those balloons, one by one.
Created by Director/Choreographer Dominic Moore-Dunson, recognized in Dance Magazine’s prestigious “25 to Watch” list for 2023, this dance production breathes life into The Remember Balloons story by bringing it to the stage! Beautifully accompanied by an original score composed by Theron Brown, the show incorporates digital projections and voiceover narration to complement Moore-Dunson’s theatrical
choreography, resulting in an experience built for the entire family.
Production Credits:
World premiere created by Dominic Moore-Dunson
Based on the book by Jessie Oliveros
Illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Directed and choreographed by Dominic Moore-Dunson
Original score by Theron Brown
I had never thought about my book being translated to dance. But the more I thought about it, especially when it comes to children watching it, like how visual they are, and his idea about using lights and music – and jazz music. That was a big one for me. I was so excited about that. – Jessie Oliveros, Author of The Remember Balloons