Flash Dance: Butterfly House / Faust Park Carousel
Saturday, July 9 @ 11:00 am
Ever hear of "flash mobs"? They're spontaneous gatherings
that briefly bring people together on short notice. Well, here's your
chance to join dancers and musicians for a "flash dance" --
an opportunity to waltz or contra in a public place to recorded or
live music. For more on "Flash Dances" see: http://www.childgrove.org/flashdances/flashdance_howto.htm
At 11:00 am, we’ll dance on the plaza outside the historic St. Louis Carousel at Faust Park. We’ll ride the carousel, then head to the plaza outside the Butterfly House, where we’ll dance some more. Afterwards we’ll tour the Butterfly House. Carousel rides are $1, Butterfly House admission is $6.
How to Find Us:
The Butterfly House and the Carousel are both in Faust Park, which is on Olive Rd in Chesterfield, just over a mile NE of Hwy 64. Directions and a map are here: http://www.butterflyhouse.org/visit/directions.aspx
Map of Faust Park: http://www.co.st-louis.mo.us/parks/map/FaustMap.html
What Makes this Place Special:
When was the last time you were on a merry-go-round? (OK, excluding your job, your bills, your kids, and your home life.) Here’s your chance to be a kid again and ride a beautiful carousel. The St. Louis Carousel, featuring over 60 hand-carved horses, deer, and chariots, was installed in 1929 at the Forest Park Highlands (near 40 & Hampton.) It was the only thing that survived the fire of 1963.
- Carousel Home Page: http://stlouisco.com/parks/carousel/carousel.htm
- Carousel History: http://stlouisco.com/parks/carousel/history.htm
Butterflies are beautiful, graceful, and undergo a fascinating process of transformation. What’s not to like?
In addition to enjoying their beauty & grace, you can learn all about them.
- Is it true they only live for 1-2 weeks as an adult?
- How far do they migrate? How do they navigate?
- Do their feet smell?
- How do they attract a mate?
- What do they eat?
- What is “The Butterfly Effect?”
- Why do I smell rotten bananas in here?
- Do butterflies dance?
The Butterfly House is home to more than 1,000 butterflies in a tropical conservatory. It’s been open to the public since 1998. If you’ve never been there yet, here’s your perfect excuse.
- The grounds include some massive sculptures: http://www.butterflyhouse.org/visit/virtualtour.aspx#monarch
- Butterfly House History: http://www.butterflyhouse.org/about/bhhistory.aspx
- Butterfly House Home Page: http://www.butterflyhouse.org/default.aspx
- Faust Park Home Page: http://www.co.st-louis.mo.us/parks/Faust_home.html
Dance Surface: Concrete or Grass
Suggested Color: Wear Orange, Blue, or any other “butterfly color” you like
In Case of Rain:
Unless the park has a covered pavilion, we’ll go inside the Carousel building and/or the Butterfly House. You can confirm our location by calling Greg at 618.444.4975
Other Details
- Feel free to invite other dancers, musicians, or spectators.
- No partner or experience necessary.
- If you've never tried waltzing, but always wanted to learn, experienced dancers will gladly offer a quick lesson.
- If you're a musician and want to play, bring your instrument. Otherwise we'll enjoy CDs with beautiful tunes.
- We may include some contras, so if you're a caller, bring your cards.
- If you have a camera, please bring it.
Know Dancers in Other Cities?
Send them this link so they can host their own Flash Dances: http://www.childgrove.org/flashdances/flashdance_howto.htm
Happy Dancing!