On behalf of the Department of Dance at BYU I welcome you to this year’s World of Dance concert. The Covid 19 pandemic has forced a two year hiatus of this forty year tradition, so it is with great enthusiasm and anticipation that we return to this familiar stage to reignite the excitement and artistry of BYU Dance. In preparation for this concert students who are members of our premier performing companies, Theatre Ballet, Ballroom Dance Company, Contemporary Dance Theatre, International Folk Dance Ensemble, Living Legends and Young Ambassadors have returned early to campus to prepare for this one-of-a-kind concert.

With nearly 4,000 enrollments in dance classes each year the College of Fine Arts and Communications is home to the most versatile department of dance in the United States. Students enjoy opportunities to learn and experience ballet, ballroom, contemporary, cultural dance and music dance theater. Degree-seeking students graduate with a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education, or a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. Our department mission statement affirms our belief that dance is divine as we strive to integrate body, mind and spirit through performance, choreography, teaching and scholarship.

We are thrilled to experience this moment together—get ready for a great show!!

Curt HolmanChair, BYU Department of Dance

Welcome toworld of dance

OPENER: MAKE WAYMusic: Aloe Blacc

SOUND OF MUSICBallroom Dance Company

Contributing Choreographers: Curt Holman, Maret Gimaev and Alina BasyukMusic: Selections from Richard Rogers, Arranged by Kurt Bestor

AGAINST MEContemporary Dance Theatre

Choreography: Tristan GrayMusic: “Teacup” by Ivy LabMotion Design: Kathrine Edgar and production support by Luke Gibson

TAHITI: OTEA AITOLiving Legends

Choreographers: Noelani Apelu and Teancum KaitokuMusic: “Otea Aito” by Tahiti Ora & Aue Kapaku by Te Vaka

TIBET: CHILDREN OF SNOW MOUNTAINInternational Folk Dance Ensemble

Choreography: Su YafeiMusic: “Daguo Snow Folk Songs“ (Zhanian Charm), recorded by ChangMi; “LaMuMeiDuo” (Zhiwang Sangju), recorded by Zhiwang LanGeBu Original Band

ShowLine-up

ORDINARY LOVEYoung Ambassadors

Choreography: The Young Ambassador CompanyMusic: Ben Rector, Arrangements by Zach Sundwall and Rob Moffat

O DEAR BLOSSOMTheatre Ballet

Choreography: Eva StoneMusic: Blossom Dearie

INTRINSICContemporary Dance Theatre

Choreography: Brayden SingleyMusic: “The Roof” (feat. Ruby Amanful) by Matthew S. Nelson & Dan Haseltine

NATIVE AMERICAN: POW WOW MEDLEYLiving Legends

Choreographer: Cheyanne Elton, Jamie Kalama WoodSong: “Red Skin Girl” by Northern Cree

ESPANA CANIBallroom Dance Company

Contributing Choreographers: Curt Holman, Alexander Chemositov and Arina GrishaninaMusic: “Wild Bull” by John Calfras

PAQUITA SUITETheatre Ballet

Choreography: Marius PetipaRestaged by: Ashley ParovMusic: Ludwig Minkus

SERBIA: IGRE IZ SUMADIJAInternational Folk Dance Ensemble

Choreography: Milorad RunjoRe-staged: Michael MalichMusic: Traditional, recorded by Old Serbian Sounds

OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING/MR. BLUE SKYYoung Ambassadors

Choreography: Cassidy Riggs and Nathan BalserMusic: Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein/Jeff Lynne

PERPETUAL CONTINUUMContemporary Dance Theatre

Choreography: Francisco GellaMusic: Lyra Angelica I. Adagio by Osian Ellis, William Alwyn & London Philharmonic Orchestra

AZTEC: FRUIT OF LIGHTLiving Legends

Choreographer: Moises AguirreMusic: “Sangre Azteca” by Los Hermanos de los Andes

SALZBURG SONGSTheatre Ballet

Choreography: Shayla Bott Music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

THE BOUNCEBallroom Dance Company

Contributing Choreographers: Curt Holman. Shane and Shannon JensenMusic: “The Bounce” by Outasight

BIG BLUE SHOWDOWNInternational Folk Dance Ensemble

Choreography: Greg and Maria TuckerMusic: “Old Dan Tucker,” “She’ll Be Comin’ ‘Round the Mountain,” and “Back Up and Push,” traditional; performed by Mountain StringsMusical Arrangement: Mark Geslison

FINALEWorld of Dance Company

Choreography: Jeanette GeslisonMusic: Aloe Blacc

Artistic Director: Curt Holman

BYU Ballroom Dance Company presents ballroom dance in a theatrical environment with a contemporary point of view. Its innovative choreography is compelling, engaging, and just plain fun! Audiences will be fascinated as couples dance a romantic waltz and will feel the energy as the company moves to the infectious rhythms of Latin America. The company holds United States and British Ballroom Dance Formation Championship titles. Their ever-increasing popularity results in a demanding concert schedule throughout the United States and the world. Since its inception in 1970, the BYU Ballroom Dance Company has performed for millions of people in over 35 countries, including a command performance for the queen of Thailand. The company continues to flourish under the direction of Curt Holman. Their distinctive style and artistic vision keeps BYU’s ballroom program at the forefront of ballroom dance in America. The president of the National Dance Council of America, Brian McDonald, calls the BYU Ballroom Dance Company “one of the ballroom world’s greatest treasures.”

Dance Company

Ballroom

Dance Company 2021-2022

Jared Alley

Logan Barnes

Sabrina Bezzant

McCarty Carter

Paris Christensen

Kendall Christensen

Nathan Cook

Saidi Cordon

Katie Cox

Jane Croghan

Derrick Davis

Matthew Edwards

Liesel Hansen

Drake Huston

Serena Keck

Brandon Keck

Jenna McShinsky

Robert McShinsky

Nicole Mendenhall

Kaylee Pattillo

Anthony Peterson

Sarah Safsten

Rebekah Seely

DeeDee Smith

Ethan Snow

Brynn Stapley

Nathan Stevenson

Laura Stirland

Sawyer Stolle

Melina Wright

Moroni Wright

Joe Young

BYU SpectacularOctober 7-8, Marriott Center, BYU

Pre-Tour PerformanceOctober 23, Dance Performance Theatre, BYU

Ballroom in ConcertApril 8-9, Marriott Center, BYU

Ballroom

Artistic Director: Keely Song

Contemporary Dance Theatre (CDT) presents dance that is innovative, accessible and enriching. Since 1975, students have toured throughout the world teaching, performing and connecting through movement. The company performs dance works created by master choreographers that range in style and intention. Some of these notable choreographers include Peter Chu, Alice Klock, Ihsan Rustem, Martha Graham, and Alwin Nikolais. CDT has made an international mark performing these works touring India, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia. The company’s mission is to enhance the student performers’ lives while sharing good will with the world through collaboration and artistic exchanges.

This Winter CDT will present Within Dreams. This concert explores the liminal space between reality and escapism as we delve into dreams that heal the soul. Audience members will join us on a mindful journey where the line between performer and viewer intertwine.

Contemporary

Dance Theatre

ContemporaryDance Theatre 2021-2022

Audrey Allen

Taylor Andelin

Abigail Andrus

Kyla Balser

Christian Burton

Maddie Butler

Bethany Claunch

Hannah Hardy

Jake Hendershot

Julia Izu

Amy Noval

Braden Swanson

Johnathan Tanner

Emma Talbot

Caler Tregeagle

Maci Williams

Contemporary Dance Theatre in Concert: Within Dreams

January 27-29, Pardoe Theatre, BYU

Artistic Director: Jeanette Geslison

International Folk Dance Ensemble was established in 1956 and is celebrating their 65th anniversary as a performing arts group. Throughout the past 65 years, the ensemble has traveled throughout the world performing traditional dances selected from a wide variety of cultures. The group continues to dazzle audiences with their vibrant costumes, diverse dance selections, and captivating performances.

In conjunction with their dance presentations, the ensemble is accompanied by the highly versatile and acclaimed acoustic band Mountain Strings. These musicians provide live, engaging music that is every bit the dancers’ equal in complexity, skill, and professionalism.

Since 1964, International Folk Dance Ensemble and Mountain Strings have become internationally famous at the world’s most prominent folk dance festivals, where they perform with many of the best international dance companies. The group presents American cultural dance and music heritage, as well as representing both BYU and the U.S. as the American Folk Dance Ensemble in folk festivals.

Folk DanceEnsemble

International

Brielle Anderson

Whitnee Forest

Hanna Gemperline

Elise Glover

Jillian Jarvis

Natasha Keckley

Hannah Kooyman

Anna Krzymowski

Makeila Latapu

Kierica McPherson

Victoria Rimington

Halle Tucker

Abby Whipple

Steven Bangerter

Dawson Collins

Remington Comp

Kye Davis

Rhen Davis

Braden Duke

Crozier Fitzgerald

McKay Jessop

Daniel Owen

Matthew Peterson

David Stone

Brigham Vargha

Ian Woodward

Christmas Around the WorldDecember 3-4, Marriott Center, BYU

Pre Tour PerformanceFebruary 25 & 26, Dance Performance Theatre, BYU

Folk Dance International

Ensemble 2020-2021

Artistic Director: Jamie Kalama Wood

The Living Legends are excited to celebrate their 50th season this year. Previously known as the Lamanite Generation, the Living Legends have a long history of using music, dance, and storytelling to share the Native American, Polynesian, and Latin cultures. For the past 50 years, Living Legends has delighted audiences in countries, nations, and tribes around the world. Most recently, the Living Legends have been seen live in Brazil, China, and the southwestern United States.

Wherever they go, the Living Legends are recognized by the song “Go, My Son.” Written by two Native American students, it has become a call for everyone to work, build, and grow.

Go, my SonGo and climb the ladderGo, my SonGo and earn your featherGo Son, make your people proud of you

This past year, the group has focused their efforts on video and livestream performances. One of the videos, Ozhigaabawi (One Stands Ready), is available on YouTube and recently won the “Best

Living Legends

Dance Film” at the Idyllwild Film Festival. Please join us in the deJong Theatre in March as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary and present our new show, Storytellers.

Alec Ahstrom

Kelina Anderson

Stephanie Aragundi

Solana Armatage

Lawrence Brown

Candace Contreras

Marypaz Cuessy

Samuel Cuessy

Amanda Dominguez

Ronnie Efnor

Cheyanne Elton

Kalawai’a Fano

Justin Keanu Furtado

Kenneth Garcia

Kamaileilani Grace

Ammon Ho

Teancum Kaitoku

Tallin Kaitoku

JRay Kuhn

Benjamin Lopez

Camila Losik

Kawai Lucio

Kiona Lucio

Leina’ala Morse

Sariah Mossman

Karly Nikora

Ammon Olayan

Abish Olvera

Sariah Olvera

Fernando Ramos

Jadyn Roberts

Savanna Silversmith

Brandon Sosa

Chaylene Tauati

Camila Urrea

Efrain Villalobos

Living Legends Cast

Pre Tour PerformanceJanuary 14, Dance Performance Theatre, BYU

Living Legends in Concert: StorytellersMarch 18-19, deJong Concert Hall, BYU

Artistic Directors: Shayla Bott & Ashley ParovAssistant Director: Hilary Wolfley

For 50 years, BYU Theatre Ballet has performed exciting contemporary and full-length ballets locally, regionally, and nationally. As a member of The Ballet Alliance, an organization of pre-professional companies, the company continues to expand its reach throughout the nation and the world as the students receive international scholarships and recognition. The company will be training in Europe in the Summer of 2022.

In February 2022, Theatre Ballet will present an evening of audience favorites, beginning with the ever popular “Serenade” by George Balanchine and finishing with the virtuosic Second Act of “Paquita.” Gerald Arpino’s “Confetti” is sure to please with a high energy pas de six made for three couples. There is truly something for everyone in this repertory performance.

Theatre Ballet

Jenna Armstrong

Samantha Allen

Savanna Black

Ana Brooks

Brooklyn Brown

Sabrina Cannon

Alex Clark

Carissa Clay*

Jared Cordova

Gordy Felesina

Miranda Fife*

Brynn Foote

Kallie Hatch

Maile Johnson

Elizabeth Kaelberer*

Ryan Lambert

Mira Larsen

Alex Marshall

Isabella Mudrick

Colette Radstone

Sophia Ross

Cassidy Schroyer

Mikaela Seale

Chelsie Sherwood

Bailey Smith*

Olivia Smith

London Stringham

Sophie Thompson

Mia Watson

Theatre Ballet 2021-2022

*Theatre Ballet Apprentices

Ballet Showcase Performance, Guest PerformersNovember 12-13, 2021, Dance Performance Theatre, BYU

Ballet in ConcertFebruary 10-12, 2022,deJong Concert Hall, BYU

Ballet Showcase Performance, Guest PerformersMarch 16-17, 2022, Dance Performance Theatre, BYU

Artistic Director: Nathan BalserMusic Director: Rob Moffat

The Young Ambassadors, Brigham Young University’s elite song and dance ensemble, shares the magic of storytelling through contemporary music, dance, and theatre. Comprised of 20 student singers, dancers, actors, as well as student band performers and stage technicians, the ensemble delivers a fast-paced showcase inspired by American Musical Theatre, Rock, and Pop music. These talented performers offer a fresh view of America’s culture and ways of life

Young Ambassadors

Young Ambassadors 2020-2021Clarisse Austin

Ben Butters

Ally Choe

Jimmy Henderson

Ray Hernandez

Hailey Hyde

Brant Johnson

Alex Joyner

Emma Joyner

Lyric Ikeomu

Issa McKnight

Evan Naef

Payton Prince

Luke Rands

Cassidy Riggs

Kersee Robbins

Gunnar Russell

Oakley Thacker

Cagen Tregeagle

Emma Wadsworth

Pre Tour PerformanceJanuary 7, Dance Performance Theatre, BYU

Young Ambassadors in Concert: Extraordinary MagicFebruary 24-26, deJong Concert Hall, BYU

Department of DanceFULLTIME FACULTY

Shayla Bott

Ashley Parov

Shani Robison

Hilary Wolfley

Curt Holman

Brent Keck

Nathan Balser

Rachel Barker

Angela Rosales Challis

Adam Dyer

Keely Song Glenn

Kate Anna Monson

Marin Roper

Kori Wakamatsu

Jeanette Geslison

Amy Jex

Jamie Kalama Wood

ADJUNCT FACULTY

Ryan Hatch

Michelle Lapioli

Erin Malan

Jessica Salter

Brooke Storheim

Madyson Wurtzbacher

Betsy Denney

Marci Edgington

Autumn Hawkes

Sharon Holman

Christina Pendleton

Dawid Schulz

Natalie Schulz

Allie Spinder

Emily Bayles

Sara Beach

Marc Cameron

Megan Cranney

Liz Dibble

Ashley Freeman

Katherine Ann Hunter

Rebecca Jennejohn

Karen Jensen

Rebecca Lewis

Susan Lloyd

McCall McClellan

Chelsey McNeil

Noelani Schraedel

Kathleen Sheffield

Joy Stoddard

Production teamWORLD OF DANCE

Production Manager: Benjamin Sanders

Technical Director: John Shurtleff

Production Stage Manager: Crysta May Lamb

Scenic Designer: Benjamin Sanders

Lighting Designer: Benjamin Sanders

Sound Designer: Troy Sales

Lighting Operations: Mark Ohran

Sound Operations: Troy Streeter

Stage Operations: Jared Patching

Costume Designers: Amy Handy, Dawn Maughan, Priscilla Hao, Sharon Holman, Maya Nitta, MaryLynn

Schaererr

Production Assistant: Kami Wallin, Anabelle Smith

Jennifer Tingey

Shamae Budd

Tamara Chamberlain

Brianna Daniels

Emma Giauque May

Wendi Isaacson

Rebecca Love

Jacob Madsen

Carissa Moser

Chante Stutznegger

Greg Tucker

Maria Tucker

Kau'i Tuia

Emilee Wright

ADMINISTRATIVE

Ryan Biddulph

Benjamin Sanders

Brenda Critchfield

John Shurtleff

Assistant Stage Managers: Aubree Schuck, Henry Young, Jennifer Saldana

Audio Technicians: Katie Black, Patrick Egbert

Master Electrician: Brian Saydyk

Poster Designer: Katie Mecham

Program Designer: Kristi Kirisberg Harmon

AuditionsBallroom Dance: Incoming and transfer students may apply for the Ballroom Dance Talent Award by December 1st. Auditions will be by video submission ONLY. Video instructions and application information can be found at https://byudance.slideroom.com/#/login/program/60687

Contemporary Dance: Incoming 1st Year and Transfer students may apply for Contemporary Area Talent Awards. All applications are DUE DECEMBER 1, 2021.The auditions will be by video submission ONLY this year. Video instructions and application information can be found at dance.byu.edu/auditions.

Musical Theatre: Incoming 1st Year and Transfer students may apply for Music Dance Theatre Admission by NOVEMBER 15. The first round of auditions will be by video submission ONLY. Video instructions and application information can be found at mdt.byu.edu/audition-apply.

Cultural Dance: General auditions for entry-level international folk dance ensembles are the first Wednesday of each semester and are open to all full-time BYU students. Auditions for upper-level performing ensembles are by invitation only. For more information see: https://dance.byu.edu/world-dance-areas-auditions

Ballet: Incoming and transfer students may apply for the Ballet Talent Award by November 15, 2021. Auditions will

be by video submission, and dancers may be called back to attend an in person audition in February 2022. Video instructions and application information can be found at https://byudance.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/63311

Dance Education Major Auditions and Proficiencies on October 27th from 12-3:00 pm for currently enrolled students. Register via patrack.byu.edu. Come prepared for a movement audition based in contemporary and street dance forms, perform a self-choreographed solo, and interview with dance education faculty. Join the exciting field of dance educators who shape young lives and create the future of dance! Incoming students and transfer students are encouraged to declare a Dance Education K-12 pre-major.

For more information see:https://dance.byu.edu/auditions