Störling-Enna makes innovative use of props in famed production “Underground.” (photo by Jeremy Dykeman)
In 1995, Jeremiah and Mona Enna moved from Sweden to the United States with a big vision, talent in spades and very little money.
Their dream was to build a healthy community of artists who positively impacted the community through beauty and the power of story.
“We have always looked at this as an experiment,” said Jeremiah Enna, who founded the organization with his wife, Mona Störling-Enna. “We had our vision and our perspective on what was valuable. We knew we wanted to love people and provide them a place to grow and thrive. From there, we would see what happened!”
On March 6, 1996, their dream became a reality: Störling Dance Theater and The Culture House were born. Humble beginnings turned into 30 years of classes, rehearsals, world-class performances … lives impacted.
“We are amazed at how God has blessed us,” said Enna. “We continue to learn as we go, and we are grateful for all the people who have made The Culture House and Störling Dance Theater what it is today.
“We’re excited for the next 30 years, including our current development project to build a larger facility for our community and the Kansas City community at large!”
Early, Störling-Enna, co-founder and the dance company’s artistic director, became known for crafting riveting story ballets. Works like “Prodigal Daughter,” “Suspended Grace” and “Butterfly” captivated audiences and established Störling Dance Theater as an inspiring artistic leader in the community.
The company’s most well-known production, “Underground,” served as a catalyst in founding a local nonprofit, Unite KC.
Marking the company’s 30th anniversary, Störling-Enna is creating a brand-new ballet, “Dorothea’s Lens,” premiering April 10–11 at The White Theatre at the J.
“Dorothea’s Lens” highlights stories of humanity and resilience captured in the photography of Depression-era photographer Dorothea Lange.
Lange’s photography was groundbreaking in its day, daring people to look as her photographs exposed the squalid conditions in which people lived and, consequently, galvanized a nation to care for their fellow man.
Störling-Enna pricks the heart and stirs hope, bringing Lange’s iconic photographs to life in this enthralling story. She weaves together truth and beauty through movement, sets, costumes and a song recorded exclusively for the production.
Performances of “Dorothea’s Lens” will take place April 10–11. To purchase tickets, visit storlingdance.org/new-events.
To support Störling Dance Theater as they continue to produce beautiful stories for the next 30 years, visit storlingdance.org/support.
–Shannon Renée
