By Elizabeth Gilbert
BYU''s performing groups normally go out into the world to share their messages. Now, for the first time, the world is coming to them.
Three of BYU''s student performing groups - Ballroom Dance Company, International Folk Dance Ensemble and Living Legends - will be a part of Olympic Opening Ceremonies at Rice Eccles Stadium Friday night, Feb. 9.
With around 4,000 performers involved, the opening ceremonies are a major collaborative effort, said Christian Sorensen, 27, a graduate student in English, from Gillette, Wyo.
Sorensen, who is a member of the ballroom dance team, said the performance includes dancers from all over the state.
Janielle Christensen, artistic director of Living Legends, said the part of the show that BYU''s performing groups are involved in is called the rendezvous section, which focuses on Utah''s pioneers.
The dancers will share their interpretations of Native American, Polynesian, Latin, folk and international culture.
Christensen said even though there are more than 800 dancers onstage, it is easy to pick out the different cultures that are part of the melting pot that make up the pioneer movement.
'You have all the Living Legends dressed in pioneer costumes, and yet with the very high-energy Americana music being used, you will see them break into the rhythms and formations of their own cultures,' she said.
Josh Probert, 25, a graduate student in public administration and a dancer with International Folk Ensemble, said he is excited about the opportunity of communicating a message to a large international audience.
In the language of music and dance, there are no language and cultural barriers, he said.
'I may meet someone foreign in the next two and a half weeks and have no way to talk to them, they wouldn''t understand me,' Probert said. 'If I perform something, though, they can feel what I am trying to communicate.'
Sorensen said he and the other dancers are pleased with how the show has turned out.
'They managed to keep a local feel to it,' he said. 'Its an incredible show, but not overly exuberant. It just seems right.'
Sorensen is not allowed to reveal details about the show, but he said there are some great surprises.
Probert said the dancers were particularly excited about the opportunity of working with the show''s director, Kenny Ortega.
Ortega also directed the choreography for the films 'Dirty Dancing' and 'Newsies,' Probert said.
While working for a well-known director was a unique opportunity for the dancers, Probert said Ortega appreciated the efforts of the BYU performing groups as well.
Ortega pulled aside the BYU dancers to tell them how much he appreciated and noticed their energy and presence, Probert said.
A lot of energy was needed to put up with the many outdoor practices.
Sorensen said these practices have been long and cold.
'There''s really no way around it when you''re working with this many people,' he said. 'Our bodies have learned to adjust to the cold.'
The dancers will also be performing at Tabernacle Park, Washington Square, Medal''s Plaza and in 'Light of the World.'