What is The Remember Balloons LIVE! and how did it come to be?
The Remember Balloons LIVE!, from MooreDunson Co., is a dance theater work inspired by the children’s book of the same name by Jessie Oliveros. The project was sparked when I discovered the book in a local library under the section described as children’s books about difficult topics. The book’s portrayal of memory loss resonated deeply with me, particularly with my wife’s lived experiences. I reached out to the Oliveros to ask for—and I was granted—permission to adapt the book into a stage production.
The Remember Balloons LIVE!, combines dance, music, and multimedia storytelling to explore the emotional complexities of Alzheimer’s disease and the impact it has on both the person living with it and their family members. The piece is designed to open the door to difficult conversations, helping families engage with themes of memory loss in a safe and empathetic way. By blending dance, projections, and interactive media, the performance brings the story to life in a way that resonates with audiences of all ages.
The message I hope to convey is that while memories may fade, the love and connection we share with our families endure. Through The Remember Balloons LIVE!, I want to encourage families to preserve their stories, face tough conversations, and strengthen their bonds, creating a supportive environment for navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of memory loss. The work aims to foster empathy, understanding, and healing in the face of Alzheimer’s.
What initially inspired you to grapple with dementia?
The inspiration for grappling with dementia came from a deeply personal experience with my wife. She shared a heart-wrenching story about her grandmother, who had Alzheimer’s. One day, her grandmother no longer recognized her and couldn’t remember who she was. This moment of painful loss—seeing the person she loved and cared for slowly fade away—left an indelible mark. The realization that someone who had once been so close, so familiar, could forget her was difficult for their entire family.
This story struck me deeply, as it highlighted the emotional toll of dementia on both the individual and their loved ones. It pushed me to think about how memory loss affects identity and relationships. That conversation ignited a desire to create The Remember Balloons LIVE!—a work that could help families address and navigate the heartbreak of dementia together.
How has working on dementia-related art changed you?
Working on dementia, particularly through The Remember Balloons LIVE!, has profoundly changed my outlook on both my art and the process of aging. It has made me realize how deeply interconnected memory, identity, and storytelling are, not just in the lives of those living with dementia, but in all of us.
As an artist, I’ve always been drawn to the ephemeral nature of dance—the way it exists in the moment and then fades. But dementia has made me reflect on how fleeting our sense of self can be and how critical it is to preserve and share our stories before they’re lost.
This subject fits into my broader body of work as an artist because it intersects with themes I’ve explored throughout my career—identity, community, and the importance of preserving personal histories.
How has The Remember Balloons LIVE! been received?
The Remember Balloons LIVE! has been met with an overwhelming, emotional response from audiences, particularly those affected by dementia. During our recent national tour, we witnessed how the work provides a safe, healing space for individuals and caregivers to address the often-taboo subject of memory loss. The performance has allowed families to open up, share stories, and confront their experiences with dementia in a way that feels both supportive and affirming.
As we expand the national tour into the 2025-2026 season, with plans to reach ≥10 cities, we continue to make meaningful community connections. In every location, we are flooded with personal stories from attendees about loved ones who have passed. Many express how the show gave them the opportunity to talk about dementia in a way they hadn’t before. This work has become a vital platform for families to begin the difficult, but necessary, conversations.
This work is dedicated to: The Remember Balloons LIVE! is, in some ways, dedicated to my wife. Although I hadn’t thought about it this way until now, the piece speaks to a need she had as a little girl—someone who needed a resource to understand dementia and memory loss.
Find more from The Remember Balloons LIVE! on the website, Instagram and Facebook.
