Schedule

SNöFLINGA The Enchanting M

SNöFLINGA The Enchanting Msat01feb6:00 pmsat8:30 pmThe Big Butte Parking Area

Event Details

*Improved this year with more lights!*

Kick-off The Enchanting M with a vibrant community circle dance, illuminated by your SnoFlinga flashlight lantern torches and accompanied by live West African rhythms from Butte’s own Michael McDaniel. IlluminDance is a celebration of dance, light, rhythm, and spectacle. The dancers and puppet of Illumindance Theatre may also make an appearance at the event. Feel free to bring your own lighted props or costuming to add to the magic, or join the workshop to make a free flashlight lantern torch.

Afterward, explore an immersive lighted loop below the M (see map below), where the soft glow of trees adorned with string lights will guide your way along this 1-mile route. Ice luminaries and a firepit at the entrance offer a cozy spot to warm up, mingle, and take in Butte’s dazzling city lights below.

How to prepare for this event:

  • Dress appropriately for Butte’s winter nights—think multiple layers and insulated boots.
  • Wear sturdy footwear with good traction and/or Yaktrax for navigating the full loop.
  • Depending on trail conditions, hiking or ski poles may be helpful.
  • Bring additional lighting as needed, depending on your preference (a limited number of flashlight lantern torches will be available to borrow).

Schedule:

  • 6pm-6:30pm: Community IlluminDance (By Melissa Wanamaker with drumming performance by Michael McDaniel)
  • 6pm-8:30pm: Explore an enchanting illuminated 1-mile loop below the M (see map below)

Get crafty and make a flashlight lantern torch before the event!
All ages are welcome. No cost. Jan 28 from 4-6 pm at the Carpenter’s Union.

Flashlight Lantern Torch Workshop

NEW this year! Snoflinga and Ability MT are teaming up to ensure people with disabilities can participate in the activities. This includes providing equipment for mobility needs and/or adaptive coaching methods. If you’re unsure whether these activities are possible for you, please complete the assistance request form before registering to explore ways we can remove barriers to participation.

Request Ability MT Assistance

Time

February 1, 2025 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm(GMT-07:00)

Location

The Big Butte Parking Area

Other Events

Event Lead

Melissa Wanamaker

Montana-Alaska-Montanan performer, instructor and choreographer, Melissa Wanamaker, has over 20 years of experience educating dancers of all ages and experience levels and creating community spectacle with a mythopoetic lens. This artist, community catalyst, wife and mother of two loves to share one of her life's great passions with local movers and shakers. About IlluminDance: Explore story, artful props, and modern theatrical movement influenced by world dance traditions while we develop a common language, movement patterns, combinations and tableaux for optional and possible use in future site-specific art installations. Stretch your mind, body and spirit in these dark times and celebrate the return of the light together exploring the myths and folklore of history's light bringers. These classes are low-impact and beginner friendly. Add some sparkle to your winter as you sweat, laugh, play and move in mysterious ways.

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Valerie Manne

Valerie is an artist, local business owner, and nature lover who has crafted The Enchanting M event, which promises a memorable and immersive experience for everyone fortunate enough to attend. Her love for the outdoors adds an authentic touch to The Enchanted M experience. Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of Butte's surroundings, she has created an event that not only transports attendees to a magical realm but also fosters a connection with the environment.

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