Storytellers: Living Legends in Concert Will Feature New Outfits, Revamped Numbers and a Māori Suite.
You probably already know about Living Legends – they have been performing music and dances at BYU (and all over the world) for over 50 years. The group is going on tour this spring in the South Pacific, but before they leave, they’re performing their updated show for Provo audiences. Their program follows a young boy as he navigates life with the guidance of his family and ancestors. Living Legends highlights indigenous cultures hailing from the South Pacific and the Americas.
Artistic Director Jamie Kalama Wood, wants audiences to know that “while the dances and the music have ancient roots, the cultures and the art forms are thriving and evolving continually.” The program will feature dances that have always been crowd favorites; the Native American Jingle Dance is one that has been updated this year. Wood said, “Jingle is a healing dance that has great power, and it is danced often as we need this healing in the world.”
The Aztec dance is another powerful number in this year’s show. It was choreographed by Moises Aguirre, a native of Mexico and a current member of the BYU community as the Director of Multicultural Student Services. “We are blessed to be surrounded by amazing artists who are deeply embedded in their cultures and willing to create with our students.”
Student performers worked on new pieces with artists from Aotearoa (New Zealand in Māori). Wood said, “We consider these numbers very sacred, and so we're honored that they [worked with] us.” The group will be able to perform these Māori pieces in the place of their origin on their tour this May.
Wood said that when people get specific about their culture and their cultural traditions, their stories become even more accessible to audience members because it encourages people to think of their heritage and the stories that influence their own lives. All audience members, no matter their background, will be able to connect with this performance.
Living Legends in Concert is sure to be a vibrant show, but the most exciting thing about the performance isn’t the new outfits or even the choreography – it’s the dancers. Wood said, “they’re obviously technically gifted, but as human beings sharing what they love, they are extraordinary.”
Performance Dates and Times:
- Wednesday Mar. 22, 2023 | 7:30 pm
- Thursday Mar. 23, 2023 | 7:30 pm
- Friday Mar. 24, 2023 | 7:30 pm
- Saturday Mar. 25, 2023 | 2:00 pm
- Saturday Mar. 25, 2023 | 7:30 pm
Location:
- Dance Performance Theater, Richards Building
Price:
- $9-13
Tickets: Available in person at the BYU HFAC Ticket Office, by phone at (801) 422-2981, or online.