The Skeleton Dance

Get ready for a playful, heartfelt, and surprisingly joyful adventure in The Skeleton Dance from Ella and Emma — a whimsical experience for audiences ages 3 and up that explores one of life’s biggest questions: what happens when someone dies?

Created and performed by Emma James and Ella MacDonald, this highly physical and imaginative production combines clowning, puppetry, creative movement, and interactive storytelling in a way that is both hilarious and deeply touching.

When Emma and Ella learn that their beloved Uncle Trout has suddenly passed away, the two children begin wondering, imagining, questioning, and theorizing about death in all sorts of funny, curious, and unexpected ways. Their playful conversations invite audiences into a world where there are no wrong questions, no “bad” feelings, and where imagination helps us make sense of difficult moments.

Filled with laughter, movement, audience participation, and heartfelt connection, The Skeleton Dance approaches grief through the honest and open perspective of children — reminding us that comfort can come through play, friendship, curiosity, and being together.

Following each performance, audiences are invited to stay for a meet-and-greet or Q&A conversation with the artists, creating space for thoughtful discussion and shared reflection.

Warm, funny, and wonderfully imaginative, The Skeleton Dance is a unique family theatre experience that celebrates curiosity, compassion, and the power of connection.