By Hilary Connelly
Celebrating this holiday season and cultures around the world, the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble will showcase authentic music, costumes and dances from various countries in the 43rd Annual 'Christmas Around the World' performance.
'Celebrating other cultures around Christmastime represents the message of peace on earth,' said Edwin Austin, Jr., artistic director for the International Folk Dance Ensemble. 'Through our cultural expression, dances and music, we can generate appreciation of other countries and create peace on earth.'
The production, which will show this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the Marriott Center, has been a holiday tradition for thousands of people throughout Utah, Edwin said.
This year, the show features more than 200 performers and much-anticipated dances performed in the past, as well as new choreography from a variety of foreign countries.
Showcasing more than 15 countries, the dance ensemble will perform authentic choreography and music, including traditions from India, Hungary, Bulgaria, Mexico, the Philippines and South Africa.
'We have been working on a Bulgarian dance that was taught to us by a native Bulgarian dancer,' said Peter Lamb, 22, a junior from Salt Lake City majoring in electrical engineering. Lamb, who recently joined the performing group, is excited to be part of the production this year.
'It''s such a great cultural experience, being able to see dances from all over the world. It''s a great way to kick off the holiday season international style,' he said.
The various dances are choreographed by dance faculty members, as well as native dancers that bring authentic moves to BYU performers.
'We try and be true to the existing forms of dance and are careful not to go out of tradition,' Edwin said. 'We rely on what we have learned from other countries and their new versions while applying different aspects to liven them up.
Among the dance numbers, the performers have jazzed up such traditional dances as Irish and Polynesian dances.
'The Polynesian and Hawaiian productions are so explosive and beautiful,' Edwin said. 'The Living Legends showcase is a highlight of our production.'
With glittery costumes and perfected steps, the Folk dancers say much time and preparation is spent for this holiday production.
'There is definitely a lot of practice that goes into this show,' said Catherine Larsen, 27, a second year law student from Price, who plays the piano and guitar in this year''s production. 'It''s incredible to see the actual performance with all the music and costumes. It definitely represents the different cultures in their entirety. It''s very unifying.'
'As the world is getting smaller and smaller, this provides an understanding of other cultures through music, costumes and dance without traveling to the country. It''s great. The world is brought to the viewer,' Larsen said.
Another feature of the performance is the Olympic rendition of 'Rendezvous' that was performed in the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Games. The dance has been adapted to fit in the Marriott Center and showcases local Utah historical memories and American traditions.
The Christmas performance is a showcase for the Folk Dance Ensemble featuring dancers from beginning dance to the Performing Arts Company that travels all over the world representing BYU Folk Dance.
'This production highlights dances from other countries and allows people to understand and appreciate different parts of the world,' said Elizabeth Jensen, media relations representative. 'The themes of the performances are really unique and relate to the individual countries and really show the talent of BYU dancers.'