Living Legends will perform its historical show, “Seasons,” the first week of March at the Richards Building Dance Performance Theatre.
Brigham Young University's Living Legends, an internationally recognized dance group, helps students celebrate culture and strengthen faith.
One of the former members of the Latin section, Melissa Ogden Castro, reflected on her experience as part of the group.
“Living Legends (is) one of the most incredible experiences I've had," Castro said. “I feel like it was my mission post mission. It combined all my favorite passions — dance, culture and gathering Israel.”
Living Legends is composed of three cultural sections: Polynesian, Native American and Latin American.
Together, these groups will perform "Seasons," a production inspired by the pride cycle in the Book of Mormon.
“It’s about having a season of prosperity, a season of pride, a season of war, and just like the pride cycle in the Book of Mormon, and we just tell it through dance,” Castro said. “It’s the most beautiful show ever.”
In the Latin cultural section, performers showcase dances from Latino cultures, including Argentina, Peru, Mexico and Ecuador.
"The section aims to represent all of Latin America," Castro said. “I think because there are so many dances in Mexico, they often (perform several from) Mexico.”
These women were inspired to audition for the Living Legends Latin section by watching them perform.
“I saw Living Legends on a live stream in 2020 during the pandemic,” Castro said. “And I thought they were the coolest thing ever. Before my mission, it was a goal for me to try out."
The performance is not limited to BYU. Living Legends has performed across the world.
“Living Legends came to Argentina when I was little, while I was still living there, I've known about it pretty much my whole life, and always wanted to do it," Melanie Zivic, a current team member, said.
Former team member Colleen Barnes shared her experience on what inspired her to audition.
“My mom's Peruvian and my dad did Young Ambassadors (at BYU). He had mentioned dance groups like Living Legends, and so I went to one of their shows, and I was overcome by the spirit," Barnes said.
After watching, Barnes said to herself, “OK, I at least have to audition for this.”
The audition process is hard work.
“For the callback, you learn a dance from each section; Latin dance, a native dance and a Polynesian dance, regardless of what section you're auditioning for," Zivic said.
“Even if you’ve danced Latin your whole life, it can be (challenging) to pick up some of the other dances," Zivic said. "But at the same time, it was cool to get a sneak peek of what the team feels like.”
Culture is a big part of the team's purpose for performing.
“A really cool part about the group is that it feels like we're all one, even with our different backgrounds and cultures, we come together,” Zivic said.
Faith at the Core
For the performers, the spiritual message of the show is as significant as the technical skill required.
“The most important part to me about Legends is that at its core we’re testifying of Jesus Christ and of the Book of Mormon,” Zivic said.
“Our show, 'Seasons,' is all about the pride cycle and the journey that people take to come closer to Jesus Christ in their times of need,” Zivic said.
Barnes, who performed in the Latin section for two years, said the program deepened her understanding of culture and faith.
“It just brought me so close to my Savior,” Barnes said. “It helped me really embrace and learn more about my culture and about different cultures as well.”
Emotion is felt by many performers while dancing.
“There's been so many times where I was tearing up on stage or just so overcome with the Spirit,” Barnes said.
She described the experience as deeply meaningful.
“It was so powerful to feel that my ancestors were there and that I was sharing a message that we are made up of the stories of those who came before us — and that they continue to support us,” Barnes said.
She added that cultural understanding strengthens spiritual connection.
“God has created us different, but we are all His sons and daughters,” Barnes said. “When we learn about different cultures and about one another, we come to better understand the nature of our Heavenly Father.”
Navigating Controversy
The program has not been without debate. Some past auditions explored adding African dances to the show, sparking differing opinions.
“My first year trying out, they had us audition African stuff because they wanted to add that section,” Castro said.
However, some alumni expressed concerns.
Castro explained some felt that broadening the focus would change the group’s purpose.
Some questioned whether the change aligned with the group’s original mission.
Barnes acknowledged the challenge of balancing tradition with inclusion.
“I think that other cultures should have representation,” Barnes said. “I don’t know if I would recommend it through Living Legends. I think it's been around for over 50 years."
She said it would be difficult to incorporate African dance because the show has been performed the same way for so long.
"Fitting within the show of 'Seasons' that they've had for over 50 years, it would be really hard to come in and change that,” Barnes said.
She emphasized the importance of alternative spaces for cultural expression on campus.
“I do think that there should be spaces on campus for other cultures to be expressed and to be fulfilled,” Barnes said.
Lasting Impact
Performers said Living Legends offers unparalleled opportunities to connect spiritually, culturally and personally.
“I’ve had people come up to me crying after shows,” Zivic said.
“Somebody has come up to me and has been like, ‘That was incredible. I really needed this,’" Zivic said. "I hope that I never get used to it. I hope that it never becomes commonplace because it's always really special when it happens."
For performers like Barnes, the experience of learning and performing with Living Legends has been transformative.
“There's just been so many lifelong friends I've made through doing the group. You spend so much time with these people, so you get to really create these bonds," Barnes said.
The performers hope audiences will get a sense of both the culture and faith that inspire Living Legends.
"I've been very lucky that everyone I've danced with has just brought me closer to God and has been such a light in my life, and so I'm forever grateful for those friendships,” Barnes said.
Zivic advised dancers who may be interested.
“Anyone who wants to audition should come watch first to get a sense of it,” Zivic said.
Barnes shared how the experience has shaped her understanding of other cultures.
“Growing up in Southern Alberta, I had only a small taste of other cultures, but Living Legends has shown me so much more," Barnes said. "That’s why I’d encourage anyone to go."
Shows will run until March 7. To purchase tickets, visit its website.