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 performance breathes life into Jessie Oliveros’s children’s book “The Remember Balloons” by bringing it to the stage! Beautifully accompanied by an original score composed by Theron Brown, the show incorporates dance, digital projections, and voiceover narration to tell the story of one boy’s experience of supporting a family member battling Alzheimer’s.  

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Runtime: 60 minutes

Recommended grade levels: 2-6

Curricular Connections: ELA, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), Dance, Music