Tickets from $10 to $75

Tickets purchased at the door will include a $5 box office surcharge

Hope United Church of Christ
6273 Eichelberger Street
Saint Louis, MO 63109 (map)

2024 Production for Spiritual Architecture & Sacred Space

Accessibility Information

This performance is wheelchair accessible, however the elevator is only 3 foot by 4 foot and may not accommodate large mobility devices.

For abled audiences, this performance includes traveling down and back up a single flight of stairs, and walking short distances several times.

Patrons with special needs are encouraged to select the appropriate accessibility options, to be contacted by Leverage in advance so that we can support your attendance.

For additional information and assistance, contact shows@lv-dt.org.

Our Mission

Leverage’s mission includes making dance more accessible. No-cost and low-cost tickets are offered to disadvantaged communities. Patrons may support this initiative by purchasing a ticket designated to be gifted to someone in need. To request reduced priced and free tickets and for additional information about the show’s limited accessibility contact shows@lv-dt.org.

Part of Leverage Concert Series for Spiritual Architecture & Sacred Space

Experience the beauty, creativity, and universality of dance, exploring the depths of our shared human experiences and connection to something beyond the ordinary.

ST. LOUIS, MO – Leverage Dance Theater proudly presents the premiere of Refractions of Being, an exploration of spirituality through space, movement, music, and storytelling. The performances will take place on May 2, 3, 9, and 10 at 7:30 PM at Hope United Church of Christ in St. Louis.

Refractions of Being is the fourth production in a series of Dances for Spiritual Architecture and Sacred Space. The series explores the potential of both grand and intimate spaces to evoke a visceral and personal response that extends beyond the physical realm. This series bids audiences to explore how the abstraction of art can elicit reflection and illumination bypassing preconceptions, ideologies, dogmas and assumptions.

This production weaves together seven choreographed pieces, delving into themes of grief, resilience, joy, community, and unity. Inspired by the magnificence of sacred sites like Europe’s cathedrals, the Lotus Temple in New Delhi, and Machu Picchu in Peru, Refractions of Being also draws on the quiet serenity found in smaller spaces like ashrams and chapels or the overwhelming beauty of nature.

Though St. Louis may lack proximity to sites of such extraordinary significance or symbolic power, this series seeks to bridge that gap. Leverage Artistic Director, Diana Barrios says, "through the language of dance, light, and sound, we hope to enhance the spiritual resonance of the space and invite viewers to participate in a shared, embodied ‘experience’ of spiritual reflection."

This production encourages contemplation on universal themes of belonging, spirituality, and interconnectedness while transcending the limitations of language or inadequacy of words. It is an invitation to witness and connect with the deeper currents of life that unite us all.

Directed by Leverage Dance Theater Director, Diana Barrios, in collaboration with R. Vance Baldwin, the show includes choreography by Assitant Director, Nicole Halama, long time company member Paige Van Nest and former Associate Director, Keli Hermes.