The ensemble was warmly greeted to Midland, TX by a temperature that had risen to 98 degrees. Their show in the new Wagner Noel Theater had an audience of more than 700 that rose to their feet after the concert concluded with the signature Hopak number.
Moving on to the coastal town of Corpus Christi, the Folk Dancers were pleased to offer a wholesome, family-friendly event for the annual Buccaneer Days festivities. The team was able to enjoy a morning on the beach before preparing for a performance in the Richardson Performance Hall of Del Mar College. The performance began with the roar of excitement to have a BYU performing group come to town for the first time in more than twenty years.
The young single adults of Laredo, TX graciously hosted the Folk Dancers for a dinner and activity night. The spiritual, interactive fireside was a great way to kick off three full days in Laredo. Local groups and Boy Scouts started each of the two sold-out school performances where literally thousands of children were entertained. For many, the Folk Dance Ensemble was their first exposure to the arts. As expected, the Mexican dances were a crowd favorite and the athleticism of Hopak inspired the children to try the high jumps and low kicks as they were marched out to their buses. After the evening performance, the dancers were treated like rock stars as audience members of all ages rushed to get autographs, photos with, or high-fives from their favorite performer.
While in San Antonio, TX more than 250 local Church members attended an interactive fireside where in the end, most were on their feet participating in the dancing instruction led by artistic director, Jeanette Geslison. Even some of the young men who left the room as soon as the dancing started, joined in before the night was through. Despite rain, most of the team made a temple trip. The plan for a group photo at the historic Alamo was foiled by heavy rain. After an all-too-quick trip to the visit the Alamo and River Walk, the Folk Dance Ensemble was back on the bus and heading to Brenham.
Neither rain nor threat of tornadoes could stop the team from making its visit with the good folks of the Brenham branch. Before heading to the chapel, the Folk Dance team enjoyed a tasty treat in the ice cream parlor of Blue Bell production plant. Later, during a Dutch oven chicken and potatoes dinner, the band's energetic music stirred the crowd and got toes tapping right away. The dancers kicked up their heels and dazzled the audience with amazing footwork. Many sang along to the post-show music. As the ensemble prepared to leave, they received word that a tornado had touched down in the small town they had stopped in just two hours before. Each member of the troupe felt thankful for the Lord's protecting and guiding hand.
While in New Orleans, LA, the Folk Dance Ensemble stepped back in time at the Oak Alley Plantation. The tour of the historical mansion was revealing and each member of the staff was dressed in period costume to add to the ambience. Several of the dancers dressed in the costumes from the Southern and Gathering numbers. With storms threatening the group was about to pack up and leave, when the photographer for the Oak Alley Plantation approached the team to take some marketing pictures. They were even invited to go into the Confederate tent, an area restricted from the general public.
Saturday, May 12 began with a tour of one of Louisiana's famous swamps. The colorful guide told stories and introduced the ensemble to many alligators in the bayous and canals. Throughout the tour, the guide would stop to feed the alligators raw meat and brought them right up to the boat. Near the end of the excursion, he gave the students a chance to hold a two-yr old alligator. Thank goodness that the mouth was taped shut.
Before their show at Roussel Hall at Layola University, the students had a chance to visit the French market and Jackson Square. The show that evening was met with comments of 'Inspiring!' 'Perfect!' 'Amazing!' by the appreciative crowd of 450.
Source: Performing Arts Management