Award-Winning Swedish Choreographer's Modern Masterwork Makes St. Louis Debut Feb. 27-Mar. 1, 2026
For Immediate Release
Dancer: Demetrius Lee
ST. LOUIS, MO (Jan. 22, 2026) — Saint Louis Dance Theatre (STLDT) brings one of contemporary dance's most celebrated works to St. Louis for the first time with Johan Inger's Walking Mad, the centerpiece of the company's Winter Series running Feb. 27-March 1, 2026, at COCA's Catherine B. Berges Theatre.
Swedish choreographer Inger, recipient of the prestigious Benois de la Danse—often called the "Oscar of Dance"—created Walking Mad in 2001 for Nederlands Dans Theater. Set to Maurice Ravel's hypnotic Boléro and music by Arvo Pärt, the work has since become a 21st-century milestone, performed by leading companies worldwide including Ballet BC (Canada), Cullberg Ballet (Sweden) and Compañía Nacional de Danza (Spain). STLDT marks the first St. Louis company to present this theatrical tour de force.
"Walking Mad speaks directly to the heart of our Love Languages season—exploring how we move with one another through barriers and boundaries," said Kirven Douthit-Boyd, STLDT's artistic director and former principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. "Dance is the physical manifestation of emotions, and Inger's choreography transforms these emotions into refined storytelling. The wall that divides the stage becomes a powerful metaphor for how we build and break connections, creating an interplay of understanding that transcends words."
The production features a moveable wall that dancers push, climb and manipulate throughout the performance, creating constantly shifting perspectives on relationships, desire and the journey from sanity to madness. Critics have praised the work as "playful, theatrical and full of life," noting how Inger blends physical comedy with emotional depth.
"Bringing Johan Inger's choreography to St. Louis extends our vision of dance excellence in St. Louis," said Erin Warner Prange, STLDT's executive director. "This is the international work you'd expect to see in megacities, and we're thrilled to share it with St. Louis audiences who deserve access to the very best in contemporary concert dance."
The Winter Series showcases masterworks and contemporary voices alongside Walking Mad, including pieces by Jamar Roberts, José Limón, Jiří Kylián, Norbert De La Cruz III, Robert Battle and Kirven Douthit-Boyd.
Performance Schedule:
Program A (Feb. 27-28, 7:30 p.m.):
Unyielded by Kirven Douthit-Boyd
Chaconne by José Limón
Unfold by Robert Battle
Facing Shores by Kirven Douthit-Boyd
Walking Mad by Johan Inger (St. Louis premiere)
Program B (March 1, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.):
Good Grief by Jamar Roberts
Facing Shores by Kirven Douthit-Boyd
Walking Mad by Johan Inger
Sechs Tänze by Jiří Kylián
All performances take place at COCA's Catherine B. Berges Theatre, 6880 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63130.
Tickets start at $25 (student) and are available at stldancetheatre.org.
Special Offers:
Behind the Curtains Showcase & Reception: Jan. 30, 2026, 3-5 p.m., COCA. Live rehearsal of Walking Mad with Q&A and reception. Subscribers and media invited; limited public tickets available. Visit: stldancetheatre.org/btc.
Community Night: Mar. 1, 7:30 p.m., “pay-what-you-wish” pricing. For details, visit: stldancetheatre.org/community-concerts.
Kids Circle: Mar. 1, 2:00 p.m. matinee. Children ages 3–8 enjoy arts activities plus a performance excerpt. $25 per child; sibling discounts available. For details, visit: stldancetheatre.org/kids-circle.
21c Museum Hotel St. Louis: As our season's hospitality partner, 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis offers STLDT patrons discounts on overnight stays, depending on nightly rates. For details, visit: stldancetheatre.org/21c.
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About Saint Louis Dance Theatre
Saint Louis Dance Theatre is a premier professional dance company blazing new trails by interweaving the Gateway City's storied legacy into boundary-pushing contemporary performances. Combining world-class artistry with a bold vision, Saint Louis Dance Theatre champions inclusivity, collaboration, and artistic excellence. This fusion of purpose and passion positions Saint Louis Dance Theatre as a beacon for the spirit of St. Louis in every performance. With a grand vision of elevating St. Louis as a nationally recognized arts destination, Saint Louis Dance Theatre aims to deepen connections locally while showcasing the region's pioneering creative force on a national scale. For more information, visit stldancetheatre.org.