department of dance
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CONTEMPORARY DANCE THEATRE EXPRESSES HUMAN CONNECTION, SPIRITUALITY THROUGH MOVEMENT
The high-energy concert features original choreography by guest artists alongside Martha Graham’s historically significant “Dark Meadow” BYU Contemporary Dance Theatre (CDT) will celebrate spirituality and the human experience through movement when the company’s Pardoe Theatre concert opens on Feb. 7. Contemporary dance is an ever-evolving field, employing innovative techniques to explore and express broader messages in a way that words cannot. Though the CDT performance will take audiences through a range of genres, moods and themes — from home and family to sentient robots — the connecting thread between each piece is the beauty and dignity of the human family. Read more here.
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BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble Celebrates Ukrainian Culture in New Video
Brigham Young University’s highly acclaimed Folk Dance ensemble is gearing up for another holiday showing of Christmas Around the World, set for Nov. 30-Dec. 1 at the Marriott Center in Provo. The event isn’t your only chance to see the group perform, however, thanks to a new video of the Hopak released to the Ensemble’s YouTube channel Nov. 17. According to the video’s description, it features “the National dance of Ukraine, Hopak, performed in Utah by the Brigham Young University International Folk Dance Ensemble. Read more here.
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New video series uses dance to show dangers of air pollution
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLZJf7P-T4o&feature=youtu.be When Keely Song moved to Utah in 2016, she was jarred by what she called the “apocalyptic” talk about air quality during the state’s notorious inversions. So when BYU announced in November it would be providing free UTA passes to students, employees and their families, the dance professor had an idea. “I wanted to create a work that motivated people — including myself, who commutes from Salt Lake City — to use public transit, while being educational and entertaining,” she said. “I didn’t understand how hazardous the air quality is on a red day, and that by limiting our emissions through carpooling, using public transit or not driving at all, we could actually greatly improve the air quality.” Continue reading on news.byu.edu.
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Worlds Collide as BYU Athletes Pair up with Ballroom Dancers for BYUtv Segment
BYU sports fans are used to seeing their heroes on the field or court, but BYU dancers helped athletes experience a whole new world on the dance floor. Ballroom dancers Jai Knighton, Nichole Udall and Brodie Wray teamed up with athletes to compete in a two-part ballroom dance battle competition that aired on BYU Sports Nation as part of “Between the LYnes.” Each ballroom dancer was paired with an athlete and tasked with coming up with a 30-second routine. For the athletes it was their first real experience with ballroom dancing. For the dancers it was a step outside of their normal routine. “Usually I just dance with people who know how to dance,” said Nichole Udall, a member of the Ballroom Dance Team. “It’s fun to work with people who have never danced.” However, teaching people with no prior experience presented a few difficulties. The challenge for Udall was choreographing a routine in the 30 or so minutes they were given. Despite being a dancer, Udall said that her lack of experience choreographing made the task “a little stressful.” However, she said the fact they got to make it fun made it a lot easier. Both Udall and Knighton agreed that despite a lack of formal training, all the athletes involved were up to the task. “My favorite part was seeing how dance made the athletes excited. They were so invested,” said Knighton. “The athletes are already motivated and dedicated people, so it’s easy to work with them,” said Udall. “They get down to business and they’re ready to learn and do well.” Knighton said teaching the athletes was easy once he figured out how they moved naturally. “You would connect the steps to how they move. You wouldn’t want to conform their movements to the dance, instead you fit the routine to them,” he said. For example, basketball player Luke Worthington faked a basketball shot during his routine and football defensive linebacker Corbin Kaufusi worked in a moonwalk. Meanwhile Sabrina Davis, a member of the Women’s Soccer Team, related the samba routine she learned to the salsa music she is used to listening to. “Dance is something everyone can relate to,” said Knighton as he explained why this segment was important. He said that compared to other genres of dance, ballroom hasn’t had a lot of mainstream exposure and for a lot of people it is still ‘“new.” Knighton said even though BYU has one of the best ballroom dance programs in the country, most students here don’t know anything about the team or ballroom dance. “It was a good opportunity for people to be exposed to ballroom dancing,” said Knighton. He hopes this will lead to more people getting involved in it. “Most people know about BYU sports, but often exposure to the arts is minimal,” said Knighton. “Those who want to experience the arts will discover them because they go after it, but this was a good opportunity to mesh something that is really mainstream, like athletics, with the arts.” It turns out meshing dance with other interests is something both Knighton and Udall excel at. They’ve found a way to incorporate their love for dancing into the college experience, despite having completely unrelated majors. Knighton, an exercise science major, said most of the other members of the Ballroom Dance Team are not dance majors either. Luckily, none of them let that stop them from participating in dance. “We each decided that we wanted to have dance be apart of our lives, that it wasn’t just going to be on the side.” “You just do it,” said Knighton. “If you really have a passion and a drive there shouldn’t be anything to stop you. For me, dance is the thing that helps me get away from it all.” Udall said when she started out in the nursing major she was worried she would not be able to balance dance and the demands of her major. She said the key was planning ahead with both her professors and her coaches. “Usually when you have conflicts, it’s either due to not planning well or conflicts you can’t avoid,” said Udall. “However, if you just work with your coaches, directors and teachers ahead of time, it’s attainable.” Both dancers agree that if a student is interested in the arts, they should explore the options BYU provides. “You don’t need to strictly be just one thing,” said Knighton. “If you want to find other things to do outside of your major then you can, BYU has provided so many opportunities to be involved in the arts.” Udall says you just have to go for it. “Always do something that you love,” said Udall.
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Taylor Tiave Shares How a Media Arts Major Helped Her Make Work That Matters
Convocation for the College of Fine Arts and Communications will take place at 11 a.m. on August 17
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Noelani Schraedel: Insights from my NYC Experience Will Help Launch My Dance Career
I had no idea how a weeklong experience in New York City with the BYU Contemporary Dance Theatre (CDT) could help me decide this was where I will pursue an MFA after graduating from BYU. While we were in New York, we brushed shoulders with professional dancers and choreographers, which opened my eyes to all the opportunities available to me. Based out of the Gibney Dance Center, we took master classes in contemporary, Limon technique and contemporary partnering. These opportunities provided me with valuable real-world insights into pursuing a professional career in NYC. The classes were incredible and pushed me beyond what I have done in my college career. Our CDT director Nathan Balser asked our team, “If you could take a class from anyone, who would it be?” Without hesitation I responded, “Kate Weare.” Although we didn’t meet Weare, I was able to take a class from one her dancers. It was an experience I will always look back at and pull from. We got a behind the scenes Broadway master class and learned the choreography from “Wicked” before seeing the show that night. It was a dream to experience what it would be like to perform on Broadway in one of my all-time favorite shows. Along with taking classes from accomplished dancers, my favorite part of the trip was seeing so many shows. We watched the Limon Dance Company in the historic Joyce Theater where the highlight of the evening was the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Limon’s iconic piece, “Missa Brevis.” Seeing that piece performed in the Joyce Theater was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As a company we also saw “Then She Fell,” which is an immersive dance theatre experience. “Then She Fell” was breathtaking and uniquely beautiful. I took advantage of our time to see a variety of other shows and performances. While I was in New York, I was able to tour graduate dance programs in the city. I realized this is where I want to continue my education as a MFA student. Every single class, show and even the atmosphere of New York City was life-changing and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a student here at BYU and to be a member of this amazing dance company. **Noelani’s husband, Adam, is also a member of CDT.
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Discover More About Choreographic and Regalia Origins Through the Living Legends New Video Series
The video series provides information about the history behind Latin American, Polynesian and Native American danceThe choreography and regalia featured in BYU Living Legends productions are derived from revered histories and origins. In an effort to share these legends, the company has initiated a new video series explaining the dances and regalia.“We not only want to further explain the legends or origin stories of the dances,” said Shanoah Zendejas, the Living Legends’ social media manager and assistant to their tour coordinator, “but also want to explain the significance of what the dancers wear. Living Legends has had the unique opportunity to help educate people from various backgrounds about the cultures they represent. We wanted to share that same opportunity with our online audience, whether they have the opportunity to see the show live or not.”The idea for this explanation video series was conceived a few years ago during the company’s tour to Tonga, New Zealand and Samoa. A member of the group suggested they do a series explaining the dances, especially those that were not Polynesian, in order to connect their audience members who were less familiar with Latin American and Native American dance.Zendejas explained that the “Seasons” production has brief explanations for each dance during the performances, but there are deeper histories and stories connected to the choreography and regalia. The introduction of a video series has made them able to turn this desire into a reality. They produced their first video of the series, featuring the Native American Grass regalia and dance, this past November. “We were wrapping up Native American Heritage Month and had the opportunity to do a fun video for the Rock Your Mocs Movement, and that's when we started filming for the series,” said Zendejas.The grass dance is featured in the 'Season of Rebirth' section of “Seasons”. The story of the Native American Grass Dance is a story of healing. Because the New Year was just weeks away, and with the story in mind, the company members could not think of a better dance to start the series off with.“We also wanted to make sure that we explained the meaning of the regalia, or what the dancers wear. Everything has a purpose in Native American culture. That is why people wearing feathers and headdresses as costumes is such a big deal to Native Americans. Every part of the regalia and the way they dance has meaning to it. We wanted to honor and show respect to the Native American culture and dance.”Zendejas emphasized that a big purpose for this video series is to encourage young audience members to learn more about and understand their own culture. She shared that many members of Living Legends, and many youth, grow up not knowing much about their culture and the ensemble has provided a way for them to learn about their own culture and others as well. The company wants to encourage anyone and everyone to learn more about their culture and where they come from.“We want to explain more dances this year, and in years to come, to our audience,” said Zendejas. “Audiences can look forward to learning more about all of the cultures we represent and their people's history as well as more about the meaning of our numbers and why they belong in certain ‘seasons.’ In the next few weeks, we will be releasing a video explaining the Maori Haka that is performed in our show.”To follow the video series, follow BYU Living Legends on Facebook.
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Benja Cuque Spends Six Weeks with Ballet West Dance Company
By making the world his campus, Benja Cuque is using his training to bless the lives of others through dance
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‘Unto Me’ The Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief Project
Written by Kaitlyn Bancroft. Visit the site here.
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BYU Theatre Ballet Train with World Renowned Ballet Expert
Theatre Ballet dancers receive experiential learning through hands-on rehearsals with an Arpino masterwork
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International Folk Dance Ensemble Celebrates 60th Anniversary in Southeast Asia
Ensemble members share favorite memories from their Spring tour
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The Ballroom Dance Company Swings and Sways Through South America
Dancers Spencer Crawford and Jessie Dayton share their highlights of performing and volunteering during the tour to Chile and Argentina
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Living Legends Visits Nine States During Spring Tour
Kyran Brown shares his highlights from the Living Legends Spring 2017 tour The BYU Living Legends presented their show “Seasons” during a three week tour in May throughout the Midwestern United States. They performed 11 shows across Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska. Living Legends member, Kyran Brown, participated on the tour and was struck by the variety of audiences the ensemble performed for, “from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota and a Latino ward in Chicago to a well-represented Polynesian audience in Independence, Missouri.” “We were truly able to meet and befriend American brothers and sisters throughout nine states. After every show, it was a humbling moment to leave the stage and mingle with the audience as we were embraced with hugs and kisses on the cheek from entertained spectators. Some, with tears in their eyes, sincerely thanked us for coming to their town and sharing our talents with them.” Another meaningful experience for Brown was visiting the Liberty Jail Historic Site in Liberty, Missouri. While there, the Living Legends performed a song that they often sing during devotionals. He said, “While we were singing, the Spirit filled the room, which was accompanied by the testifying words of the song which talked about a humble prayer that the Prophet Joseph Smith expressed in order to overcome trials he frequently faced. “I remember the main vocalist who starts the song was overwhelmed with the Spirit for she had to stop and compose herself a couple of times before she was able to utter a line. By the end of the song, many members of the group had tears in their eyes, including myself, because the biggest emotion we want to share with anyone we come in contact with, is happiness.” For Brown, the tour was more than just performing. “Performing was actually one of the shorter events we did on tour. We conducted outreach events for different communities, performed service for Midwestern locals and laughed with host families who invited us in their homes. Being able to participate in stage set-up and take-down is another part of the tour that one would not usually consider as a time to turn to the Lord and serve those who technologically control the show for us. We are always supporting others, whether it is on stage or in public when we are exploring town sites. We love losing ourselves in service and we strive to do all we can to turn hearts.' To view more pictures and moments from their Midwest tour, visit the BYU Living Legends Facebook page.
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BYU Contemporary Dance Theatre to perform with 'Limón Dance Company'
As part of the 2016-2017 BRAVO! season, BYU Arts will be hosting the Limón Dance Company. The group will perform Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Pardoe Theatre of the Harris Fine Arts Center. The program will feature a special guest performance by BYU Contemporary Dance Theatre. Producer and Presenter of Performing Arts at BYU, Jeffrey Martin, said BYU is thrilled to bring fine dancers and “time-honored choreography” to campus for students and the community to experience in a live performance. Limón Dance Company is known as one of the legendary companies associated with modern dance in the United States. Founded in 1946 by José Limón and Doris Humphrey, the Limón Dance Company has lead American modern dance since its inception and is considered one of the world’s greatest ensembles. The company’s performances include classic works as well as new commissions from contemporary choreographers. “We seek to expose our students to the foundational movements of all dance styles during their time studying dance at BYU,” Martin said. “When we have the opportunity to showcase world-class dancers practicing the principles and techniques our students learn in the classroom and dance studio, we are able to give our students a tremendous advantage in their own training and development.” Under the direction of assistant professor Nathan Balser, CDT will collaborate with Limón Dance Company on this program. BYU’s dancers will perform an excerpt of Jose Limon’s piece, “A Choreographic Offering,” during the performance. “The Limón dancers are some of the finest in the country, bringing with them myriad expertise and excellence in training and performance,” Balser said. “For our students to rub shoulders with these dancers is not only uncommon, but of great worth and value to their own emergence as dance artists.” Balser said the CDT dancers have spent more than 50 hours learning and perfecting the Limón piece in preparation for the performance. One of these dancers is Adam Schraedel. He said the group is excited to dance with one of the most famous modern companies in the world. “We practiced for four weeks with an alumnus member of the company to learn and perfect our piece, ‘A Choreographic Offering,’” Schraedel said. “It’s a challenging style that many of us have little experience with, but it’s a very beautiful piece and I think we have learned a lot.” Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone at 801-422-2981 or online at byuarts.com. Tickets and Show Details Performance Dates and Times: Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m. Location: Pardoe Theatre, Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU Price: $35, BYU Alumni/Senior Citizen $32, BYU ID/Student ID $25 Tickets: Available in person at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone at 801-422- 2981 or online at byuarts.com
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Tuesday’s devotional dedicated to BYU premier dance groups
Five of the Brigham Young University’s Department of Dance premier dance groups will perform during an assembly in the Marriott Center on Nov. 8 at 11:05 a.m. The Ballroom Dance Company, Living Legends, Theatre Ballet, the International Folk Dance Ensemble and Contemporary Dance Theatre will all perform. Each dance group will present choreography demonstrating how dance can be used to inspire, imagine, reflect, celebrate, remember or express with the theme of “Together, let’s dance—just for the joy of it.” “The assembly celebrates one of the cheerful ways we express our faith and hope through a variety of expressions of joy through dance,” said Marilyn Berrett, Department of Dance chair. Berrett also referenced the words of President Russell M. Nelson who recently spoke about joy in the October General Conference. “That’s it! Saints can be happy under every circumstance,” said Nelson. “We can feel joy even while having a bad day, a bad week, or even a bad year! My dear brothers and sisters, the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives. The BYU College of Fine Arts and Communications is home to the largest and most versatile dance department in the United States. For more than 50 years, BYU students have shared a spirit of joy with people worldwide through the creative expression of dance. Performances strive to benefit and support members of the Church in distant lands, and can be seen on campus throughout the year. The BYU Department of Dance is also pleased to present the BYU DanceSport Championships on Nov. 11-12, BYU’s dancEnsemble concert on Nov. 11-12 and the Senior Dance Projects Showcase on Nov. 19. Performance Date: Nov. 8 Time: 11:05 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Location: Marriott Center, BYU Price: Free
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BYU Department of Dance presents Ballet Showcase Nov. 4-5
The BYU Department of Dance presents the Ballet Showcase Friday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 5, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., in the Dance Studio Theatre of the Richards Building. The showcase features eleven BYU ballet dancers performing beautiful, engaging choreography by faculty and students in both classical and contemporary ballet. BYU’s touring company, Theatre Ballet, as the guest artists, will be presenting two ballets on the program also, one classical and one contemporary. 'The dancers face an extreme contrast in styles which is challenging their technique and artistry to the limit,” said Suzi Wood, artistic director. “They are definitely rising to that challenge, and by reaching inside themselves I think they are finding great personal growth emotionally, intellectually and spiritually as they have been using the talents they have been blessed with.' The showcase includes dance majors as well as a variety of other majors in the university and range from freshmen to seniors. There will be a wide range of styles from a couple of classical ballets from 1832 and 1845, and Petipa, through examples of the style of Balanchine neoclassicism to today's extreme contemporary ballet choreography. Performance Date: Friday, Nov. 4 and Saturday, Nov. 5 Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Dance Studio Theatre, Stephen L. Richards Building, BYU Price: $6 Tickets
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BYU’s Living Legends performers visit 16,500 Pacific Islanders
Brigham Young University’s performing group Living Legends recently returned from a three-week tour in the Pacific Islands where they dazzled appreciative audiences with their show “Seasons” and built lasting friendships through service rendered at schools, hospitals, care centers and other venues. “What they brought to the South Pacific will long be remembered,” said the Rev. Maauga Motu of the National Council of Churches in Samoa. “What they performed will live forever.” The message from the performers was one of love, peace and unity among all peoples and cultures. More than 16,500 children, teenagers, parents, university students, dignitaries, diplomats, religious leaders and members of the media were entertained and served during the nine performances and 19 private outreach events during the tour. READ MORE>>>>
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Ballroom Dance Company crowned champions in two categories at competition in Blackpool, England
Every three years, the BYU Ballroom Dance Company competes at the British Open Ballroom Dance Championships in Blackpool, England. The team has a long history of dominating this prestigious event, having won the competition a record 22 times. However, 2016 would be the first year the team would perform under new directors Curt and Sharon Holman, who took over the Ballroom Dance Company in the summer of 2015. At the end of Spring semester, the team began to prepare both the Latin and Ballroom medleys for Blackpool — meeting from 7:00am to 2:00pm six days/week. The group’s hard work was rewarded when they were crowned champions in both Ballroom and Latin categories.
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