By JOHN HARLOW | Editor-in-Chief
Drugs, addiction and suicide do not usually make for a joyous mix, but last Saturday night, at the premiere of “Dance and Tell,” a work including dance and storytelling by Palisadian Ron Armstrong, the plan was to make people sit up and enjoy themselves.
Photo courtesy of Ron Armstrong
Armstrong has turned his own past struggles with addiction into a “social experience in dancing with the universe,” which happens to involve a freestyle dance party.
The resulting show premiered at The Beat Box Studio LA to a sold out audience, who came along with their dancing shoes and ears open to hear his stories about how to survive and thrive despite the horrors of drugs, depression and addiction.
Last week, Armstrong told the Palisadian-Post that he has drawn on his own past traumas, including depression and suicide—but still aimed to create a life-enhancing show.
Since 1988 he has worked as an interventionist—helping families cope with addiction fall out. He hopes “Dance and Tell” could be put in schools and corporate retreats.
But the night before he went on, he admitted he was feeling a little stressed.
“It’s a little scary, but my whole life has lead to this and if people both enjoy it and get something out of it, then it’s been worthwhile.”
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