International Folk Dance Ensemble dances through a range of cultures, celebrating through its artistic talents
Since 1964, BYU’s International Folk Dance Ensemble has represented a variety of cultures through its dancing. On February 25, the ensemble will take audiences on another cultural trek with its pre tour performance “Journey.”
The group pulls inspiration from over a dozen countries, utilizing traditional costumes, props, music and dance from these cultures. With 26 dancers and seven musicians involved in the new production, “Journey” will perform dances from the nations Ireland, Romania, Wales, Indonesia, India, Serbia, Canada, China, Tonga, Ukraine and the United States.
Artistic director Jeanette Geslison explained that the students have studied these dance movements, along with the help of invited experts, becoming “an important educational part of their cultural understanding and knowledge.” Geslison continued, “Working with these students is inspiring. They are dedicated to their craft as they grow and expand their life perspectives and cultural understanding through embodying cultural representations.”
Among the ensemble are four Irish dancers, seven champion cloggers, one Tongan dancer and two national top placing fiddlers. In addition, one student even choreographed the dance of an Irish piece.
Geslison said she aims to represent aspects of these cultural identities with informed knowledge and expertise, showing integrity and respect. She said, “This production celebrates the diversity of cultures, but reflects on the similarities of human experiences.”
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The performance will take place in the Richards Building Dance Performance Theatre on February 25 at 7:30 p.m. and February 26 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for this event may be purchased at https://byutickets.evenue.net/.
Following the recent rise in local and national COVID-19 cases, BYU will be requiring attendees of indoor public events on campus (athletics, performing arts, conferences and symposiums) to present proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to gain access to the event venue.
All patrons are required to wear a mask while indoors at campus performance venues, regardless of vaccination status.
For details about the updated COVID-19 policy, visit coronavirus.byu.edu.