BYU Dance Student Brielle Barlow Shares Her Experience Choreographing and Performing “Legacy” in “Ten Tiny Dances”
When auditions were posted for the community show “Ten Tiny Dances,” I knew I wanted to participate. Dancing has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember, and choreography captivates me more than anything else. I think about it for hours, playing a song repeatedly until my movements match my feelings. I knew the proposed audition and artistic development of the show, “Ten Tiny Dances” would give me an outlet for my artistic energy and creativity. I started choreography for a group piece for the first show, but was denied a spot in the production. I felt sad, angry and defeated. When the opportunity came to audition again, I was reluctant. I failed last time, what would make this time any different? I was scared to try again, but knew I wanted this opportunity to perform. So, I planned and submitted a proposal for a solo performance. Astonished, I was accepted!
“Ten Tiny Dances” is an annual performance. Choreographers are challenged to choreograph on a tiny 4’ x 4’ x 2’ foot elevated stage. The May 2024 theme was “Broadway.” Careful selection brought me to my musical choice, “He Lives in You” from “The Lion King” musical. I chose this song because of its powerful spiritual message. After choosing a song, I had to make choices regarding my dance message and the artistic techniques that I would use in the choreography to deliver that message in a meaningful way.
But what message? My goal was to communicate an idea with my dance that would leave a lasting impression on the audience. I wanted my dance to be more than just simple movement. I reflected on the Broadway show and how this song is sung between father and grieving son to connect the past and present and help the son remember his destiny, family and legacy.
Legacy! The word halted my mind. What is legacy? What is my legacy? It was through the choreographic process that I finally began to find an answer to my questions — and named my performance, “Legacy.” The more I listened to the song and choreographed to it, the more I understood what it meant. The meaning came to have a profound impact on me.
The song talks about your legacy, and the legacy of your family members through you. This is similar in dance. As dancers, we carry on the legacy of dancers before us. We embody the technique and artistry passed down from teacher to student — something I’ve gotten to experience with my dance professors at BYU. Someday I hope to pass on what I have learned to others. The concept of legacy also has a profound and significant meaning to me because I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I believe our ancestors are watching us with joy from the other side of the veil, just as Mufasa tells Simba in the song. They pass their legacy through us. We carry them and they carry us.
The choreography process was challenging. There were days I left the studio questioning if I could do it, if I could finish in time. I found these were the moments when I became frustrated. I couldn't choreograph. It was only when I let go, stopped caring about perfection and just let the music lead me that I would leave the studio feeling excited and accomplished. I could see the hand of my Heavenly Father all through my choreographic process. I would pray in the evening for help. On one particular night, while drifting to sleep, a short series of choreography came to my mind. I immediately sat up in bed and grabbed my phone. Half asleep, I filmed a bit of choreography. This short phrase of choreography was pure inspiration and became the phrase I repeated at the most crucial, pivotal and emotional parts of my dance. It was truly "inspired learning."
The night of the performance, nerves ran through me like livewires. I put all the energy and emotion I had into my last few moments on stage. As the curtain closed, I sighed in relief. Just then, one of the men in charge of the show came up to me. I immediately saw tears in his eyes and, with a choked-up voice, he told me how much he loved my piece. I was stunned and taken aback by his emotion. I made my way to the lobby where I discovered a greeting room full of individuals just like him. With tears and hugs, over and over I was told how emotional the dance was and how they loved my piece. I was touched by all the people trying to connect with me. My work connected with them! The creative journey ended in a lobby with a crowd telling me it was all worth it. The initial proposal process, planning, practice, preparation and performance had connected with people in a way only dance and music can. I was in a room of strangers, yet they told me I touched their lives and hearts in a powerful and meaningful way.
When I submitted my application, I had no idea just how much this project would mean to me. This experience taught me the process of choreographing, as well as taking that choreography to the stage. It made me more confident in my abilities to dance and to create something meaningful. I made an impact on others through dance. The audience felt something beyond what we are able to express through words and they will remember it. Looking back on the experience of rejection then acceptance, taking on the challenge of choreographing and performing, and pushing through hard days, I know it was ultimately worth every minute involved. The night of the performance, I left everything on stage for my teachers and family, and for those who have gone before me who left an incredible legacy of faith. I know how far I have come and am proud of what I have accomplished.