History

Störling Dance Theater was established in 1996 by Mona Störling-Enna and, her husband, Jeremiah Enna.  They created Störling Dance Theater and The Culture House - a community arts organization and academy - out of their belief that the arts are a blessing. They can serve to make our communities better environments, filled with beauty, truth and goodness.  Störling Dance Theater began producing major works by the year 2000 and immediately began to build enthusiastic audiences and receive rave reviews from top critics.  

“Störling-Enna's choreographic invention seemed to have no limits.”  Kansas City Star

In 2004, Mona and Jeremiah worked with company member Tobin James on a new project.  The Enna’s had observed the growing strife in the discussion of race in America and wanted to do something about it.  In the story of the Underground Railroad, they found an historic moment when good people came together to overcome the evil of their day. Mona and Tobin, together with composer Jay Pfeifer and Executive Producer Kip Blue, created Underground.

It took four years to fully compose, choreograph and create all the sets, costumes and props.  In 2008, Underground premiered at the Kansas City Lyric Theater.  It was received by passionate audience members and rave reviews.  

"It is without doubt one of the most vivid, heartfelt and theatrically astute pieces of dance theater ever to grace a Kansas City stage.” - Paul Horsley, The Independent

Underground is entering its 14th season of annual performances. Each year, the production is made possible by a cast and crew of over 50 members. Some have been faithful members of the Underground family since the first year; and every year, new members join the cast.  

Additional events have been added surrounding the performances, including Children's Literature events, the Inspire Freedom Art Exhibition in the Crossroads District, a Pastors & Leaders Luncheon,  sold-out School Day Shows and the Underground Gala with guest speakers such as LeVar Burton and Alpha Blackburn.  

Most importantly, Underground has built new and lifelong relationships between individuals, companies and churches across our city. Underground is a tradition. Every year, we gather to celebrate old friends, meet new ones and hear the story that reminds us of how to live well.

Underground started in Kansas City, but is now branching out around the country. In 2017, Underground toured to the St. Louis/Ferguson community, sharing a message of hope and a pathway out of the pain and confusion that exploded in the area in 2014.  We hope to continue offering this timely production to cities across the country.  

It’s time to Go Underground. 

For more information on Störling Dance Theater, its artistic leaders, company members and history, go to www.storlingdance.org.  For information on The Culture House, please visit www.culturehouse.com.