Living Legends: Storytellers Program

LIVING LEGENDS: STORYTELLERS

Friday, 18 Friday , March March 18 AND 7:30 7:30 PM PM DEPARTMENT OF DANCE

Saturday , March 19 Saturday , March 19 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM2:00 PM and 7:30 PM de Jong Concert Hall

DEPARTMENT OF DANCE

DIRECTOR’S NOTE Throughout time, we have told stories.

Stories to celebrate life and rejoice in discovery.

Stories of light and strength in times of darkness, Of the Earth and all of her creatures.

But these stories only live and breathe when we share them.

Listen.

As I was growing up, I listened to my kupuna/ abuelos (grandparents) and parents “talk story.” These stories shaped my perception of the world and guided my choices as I grew. Storytellers focuses on the influence of our elders’ stories and the power given as we allow the ancestors to guide, lift, and strengthen us as we travel the pathway of life.

We present this performance as a grateful acknowledgement of those who have gone before—ancestors, teachers, and alumni. We love them. We are honored to continue to share these essential stories through music and dance.

We invite you to journey with us and to feel the love and power embedded within.

Jamie Kalama Wood artistic director

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BYU DEPARTMENT OF DANCE

PROGRAM

STORY OF BEGINNING Prologue Choreographer: Jamie Kalama Wood Music: Storyteller’s Prologue by Sam Cardon

Eagle The eagle, which flies highest and nearest to our Creator, is sacred to natives of North America. Embodying strength, courage, and wisdom, the eagle shows us that we have the ability to develop the same qualities.

This Eagle Dance honors the story of creation and beginning.

Country: North America Choreographer: Dusty & Bryan Jansen Music: Eagle (traditional), Honor Song by Sam Cardon

Lullaby The young parents prepare their child to hear the stories of the ancestors.

A wise chief teaches that family, honor, work, and education are the keys to success and happiness.

Choreographer: Jamie Kalama Wood Music: Go My Son Lullaby by Carnes Burson and Arlene Nofchissey Williams Additional Lyrics: Jamie Kalama Wood Arrangement: Sam Cardon

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BYU DEPARTMENT OF DANCE

STORY OF CELEBRATION Lota Nu’u Our Samoan Suite tells the story of celebration and a love for life as dancers sing the beautiful Lota Nu’u, keep time with the rousing Sasa, highlight the power and grace of the women through the Siva, and joyfully prove the agility of the men in the powerful Slap Dance.

Country: Samoa Music: Lota Nu’u (traditional)

Sasa Country: Samoa Choreographers: Teancum Kaitoku, Noelani Apelu, and Lea Taylor Music: Sasa

Siva Country: Samoa Choreographers: Noelani Apelu, Lea Taylor Music: Sulu i le Papa Gagala by Punialava’a

Slap Country: Samoa Choreographer: Catherine Fonoimoana-Lessary Tu-ua Music: Fa’ataupati by Alpha Maiava, mixed by DJ Dorps

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BYU DEPARTMENT OF DANCE

Cuenca Por Eso Te Quiero Cuenca is a contagious musical theme that is heard throughout the city during festivals.

This song tells the story of a festival that celebrates family, culture, and community. The beautiful song describes the people of Cuenca with one of its phrases that says “Por sus longos bien parados, por sus cholas buenas mozas… por eso te quiero Cuenca.”

Country: Ecuador Choreographers: Celia Aguayo, Mariah Matua, Efrain Villalobos Music: Por Eso Te Quiero Cuenca by Los Hermanos de los Andes with Camilla Urrea

STORY OF DISCOVERY Women’s Fancy The Women’s Fancy Dance tells the story of the powerful crow and the emergence of the butterfly as they learn to stretch their wings and fly.

As they take flight, they begin a new direction in life.

Country: North America Choreographer: Cheyanne Elton Music: Hop to the Drop (Crow Hop), Ripper by Northern Cree

Kahiko This ancient Kahiko tells the story of Hi’iaka, the sister to the powerful fire goddess Pele. Hi’iaka is sent to discover someone Pele has seen in dreams. In her travels, Hi’iaka opens her eyes to the beauty of the world.

Country: Hawaii Choreographer: Cy Bridges Music: Ka Huaka’i o Hi’iaka (traditional)

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BYU DEPARTMENT OF DANCE

STORY OF PATHWAY Grass & Sweetheart Dance As the men perform the Omaha Grass Dance, the dancers imitate the movement of the tall, flowing, sweet grass—symbolizing the connection between humanity and nature. As the Grass Dance leads into the Sweetheart Dance, the story lays a pathway of safety and finding the happiness that comes as one travels with others.

Country: North America (plains) Choreographers: Naakaii Tsosie, Naataaanii Tsosie, Cody Singer, and Cheyanne Elton Music: Grey Hawk Singers; Northern Cree Singers

El Pájaro Campana El Pájaro Campana is the national bird of Paraguay, and its dance tells the story of liberty. In the mythology, Tupá (God) turned the bell tower of a Jesuit church into the white bird, whose sound resembles a bell. By following this bird, you will always know which way to go.

Country: Paraguay Choreographer: Aileen Tamez Music: El Pájaro Campana by Damian Girett & los Misioneros Paraguayos

STORY OF STRENGTH Otea Aito Tahitian dancers share the story of moving carefully along the pathway, knowing that learning the steps of life can lead to treacherous times. They find joy and love as they work together.

Country: Tahiti Choreographer: Teancum Kaitoku and Noelani Apelu Music: Aue Kapaku by Te Vaka, Otea Aito by Tahiti Ora 6

BYU DEPARTMENT OF DANCE

Festejo The Afro-Peruvian music and drums drive this energetic number. Originally danced by African enslaved people searching for relief from discrimination and exclusion, this particular choreography tells the story of a young girl who finds freedom as she learns to dance the Festejo.

Country: Peru Choreographer: Eliana Araujo Music: Saca las Manos, Saca los Pies

by Eva Ayllon

STORY OF HEALING & HONOR Jingle / Men’s Fancy To the Ojibwe tribe the Jingle Dance is a dance of healing. As the women dancers move, you can hear the prayers sent to the heavens.

Country: North America Choreographers: Cheyanne Elton and Naakii Tsosie Music: After You and Fearless by Northern Cree

Caporales The story of Caporales celebrates the sacrifice of those who have gone before. In their honor, the caporales use their elaborate costume to represent the strength and pride that has grown from within.

Country: Bolivia Choreographer: Efrain Villalobos Music: Mas Cerca del Cielo by Andesur

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BYU DEPARTMENT OF DANCE

Haka, Poi Carried on the wind of dawn come the voices of war and of supplication to Tumatauenga, God of War, by both warrior and loved one. This story is of a village making preparations for battle, and through the Haka and Poi, the challenge is issued: “We will not back down but will gain victory.”

Country: New Zealand Choreographer: Lionel Perrett Music: Te Wa o Tumatauenga, He Korero Riri, written for Living Legends by Lionel Perrett

STORY OF JOURNEY Smoke As the dancers hear the call to battle, they rouse the village through the beat of the Stomp dance. The warriors prepare using the competitive War Dance, and the energy builds as men and women join in the quick and athletic Smoke dance. As the warriors begin their journey, the women look forward with hope.

Country: Iroquois Choreographers: Bill Crouse and Jamie Kalama Wood Music: Iroquois Stomp, War, Smoke, Pigeon, traditional recorded by Bill Crouse

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BYU DEPARTMENT OF DANCE

Malambo The Malambo dancer is a master of footwork. Combining rhythm, agility, speed, and strength, dancers build upon the energy of the drum.

Though traditionally performed as a men’s number, this powerful choreography tells the story that strength and agility are found in us all.

Country: Argentina Choreographers: Diego Franco, Pablo Daniel Music: Traditional by Diego Franco

STORY OF REVELATION Auana This contemporay hula tells the story of farewell and separation from a beloved friend as they are called away.

Country: Hawaii Choreographer: Sariah Mossman Music: Ku’u Hoa Ki’ikua and Aia I Hi’ialo

by Hi’ikua

Kuitlaxokotl Tlauili (Fruit of Light) The Kuitlaxocotl Tlauili Dance is a representation of the people of Aztlan, named the Aztecs. Their ritual sounds were considered the voice of the gods. Through their beautiful music and corporal movements we experience the story of “the fruit of light,” reminding us to seek the light in times of darkness through Mother Earth and spiritual connection.

Country: Aztec Choreographer: Moises Aguirre Music: Aztec by Los Hermanos de los Andes

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BYU DEPARTMENT OF DANCE

STORY OF LIGHT Bow & Arrow By honoring the stories of past warriors, this dance reverences the bow and arrow for providing sustenance and protection. As the dancers face different corners, they keep the balance of the four sacred directions. They are admonished to “dance in beauty.”

Country: Navajo Choreographer: Jerad Todacheenie Music: Santa Anna Bow and Arrow Dance by Ed Lee Netay

Basket Country: Navajo Choreographer: Dion Tapahe Music: The Basket Song by Delphine Tsinajinnie and Ed Lee Natay

LakaLaka o Siosefa Samita; Tata’ili With words and actions, the graceful dancers tell their story of devotion. This story celebrates the miracles and the blessings that have been received from heaven.

After receiving these blessings, there is great rejoicing. Ultimately, all are invited to “Come and hear our story.”

Country: Tonga Choreographers: Tevita Kinikini and family Music: LakaLaka o Siosefa Samita

by Tevita Muli Kinikini and Tata’ili by Teine Latu

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BYU DEPARTMENT OF DANCE

STORY OF SHARING Mariachi The energetic music and dance from the state of Jalisco capture the soul of México. The powerful and patriotic movements tell the story of grace and elegance combined with power and love for one’s home.

Country: Mexico Choreographers: Mario Carillo Gamez and Efrain Villalobos Music: El Relampago by Mariachi Aztlán

La Negra Country: Mexico Choreographers: Miguel Angel Peña Music: El Toro Relajo by Felipe Bermajo Araujo

Hoop The hoop symbolizes eternity to many nations. As a child learns to dance the Hoop Dance, they begin with only one hoop until, over time, they master many hoops. Dancers learn to share the creations of Mother Earth and the power of the Great Spirit through their dance.

Country: North America Choreographers: Kelina Anderson, Kiona Lucio Music: Hoop Song by Albert Chase

Finale As the child becomes the parent, he continues to be taught by the ancestors. He hears the words once spoken by a wise chief: that family, honor, work, and education are the keys to success and happiness.

Choreographer: Jamie Kalama Wood Music: Go My Son by Carnes Burson and Arlene Nofchissey Williams

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BYU DEPARTMENT OF DANCE

LIVING LEGENDS COMPANY

Alec Ahlstrom Latin American Section Firestone, CO Marketing

Kelina Anderson Native American Section Spanish Fork, UT Art History and Curatorial Studies

Stephanie Aragundi Ka’ahanui Latin American Section Morristwon, NJ Communications

Solana Armitage Native American Section Glendale, AZ Dance

Lawrence Brown Polynesian Section Bountiful, UT Family Studies

Candace Contreras Latin American Section Tucson, AZ Journalism

Marypaz Cuessy Native American Section Whittier, CA Civil Engineering

Samuel Cuessy Native American Section Whittier, CA Civil Engineering

Amanda Dominguez Latin American Section Sachse, TX Biology

Ronnie Efnor Polynesian Section Mesa, AZ Art Education

Cheyanne Elton Native American Section Vista, CA Media Arts Studies

Kalawai’a Fano Polynesian Section Kāne’ohe, HI Manufacturing Engineering

Justin Keanu Furtado Polynesian Section Papkōlea, HI Communications

Mario Gamez Carillo Latin American Section Chihuahua, Mexico Civil Engineering

Kenneth Garcia Latin American Section Mapleton, UT Advertising

Kamailelani Grace Polynesian Section Pearl City, HI Experience Design

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BYU DEPARTMENT OF DANCE

Ammon Ho Native American Section Laie, HI Sociocultural Anthropology

Tallin Kaitoku Polynesian Section Laie, HI Marketing

Teancum Kaitoku Polynesian Section Laie, HI Psychology

JRay Kuhn Native American Section San Carlos, CA Nursing

Benjamin Lopez Latin American Section Provo, UT Archeology

Camilla Losik Native American Section Layton, UT Psychology

Kawai Lucio Native American Section Gilbert, AZ Exercise Science

Kiona Lucio Native American Section Gallup, NM Exercise Science

Leiana’ala Morse Polynesian Section Kailua, HI Communications

Sariah Mossman Polynesian Section Pukalani, HI Sociology

Karly Nikora Polynesian Section Laie, HI Psychology

Abish Olvera Latin American Section Pflugerville, TX Human Development

Sariah Olvera Latin American Section Pflugerville, TX Spanish Translation

Fernando Ramos Latin American Section La Paz, Bolivia Finance

Jadyn Tahana Roberts Polynesian Section Orem, UT Open Major

Savanna Silversmith Native American Section Blanding, UT Psychology

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BYU DEPARTMENT OF DANCE

Chaylene Tuati Polynesian Section Torrance, CA Psychology

Camilla Urrea Latin American Section Austin, TX Music, Dance, Theatre

TECHNICAL CREW Jennifer Saldana Stage Manager Elizabeth Padgett Audio Technician Brian Saydyk Lighting Technician Nalea Nitta Costumes and Deck Crew Taj Joaquin Costumes and Deck Crew

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BYU DEPARTMENT OF DANCE

Efrain Villalobos Latin American Section Mapleton, UT Communications

Creative Team

Artistic Director Jamie Kalama Wood

Costume Designer Maya Nitta

Audio Engineer Elizabeth Padgett

Production Manager Benjamin Sanders

Stage Manager Jennifer Saldana

Video Director Patrick Egbert

Technical Director Kevin Anthony

Master Electrician Brian Saydyk

Student President Teancum Kaitoku

Production Stage Manager Crysta May Powell

Assistant to the Artistic Director Sydnee Saez Thacker

Latin Section Leader Efrain Villalobos

Sound Design and Audio Support Troy Sales

Costume & Deck Crew Nalea Nitta Taj Joaquin

Lighting Designer Benjamin Sanders

Projection Design Erin Dinnel Bjorn

Native American Section Leader Cheyanne Elton Polynesian Section Leader Sariah Mossman

BYU College oF Fine Arts and Communications Dean Ed Adams

Associate Dean Amy Jensen

Associate Dean Jeremy Grimshaw

Assistant Dean

Assistant Dean Melinda Semadeni

Assistant Dean Thaylene Rogers

Bridget Rosella Benton

Department of Dance Administration Curt Holman, chair Shayla Bott, assoc. chair Kori Wakamatsu, assoc. chair

Full-time Faculty Keely Song Nathan Balser Curt Holman Rachel Barker Amy Jex Shayla Bott Brent Keck Adam Dyer Angela Rosales Challis Jeanette Geslison Kate Monson

Cultural Dance Faculty Full-time Faculty Jeanette Geslison Amy Jex Jamie Kalama Wood

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Adjunct Faculty Tamara Chamberlain Sarah Christensen Breanna Daniels

BYU DEPARTMENT OF DANCE

Emily Hatch Wendi Issacson Rebecca Love Jacob Masen

Associate Dean Rory Scanlon

Shani Robison Marin Roper Kori Wakamatsu Hilary Wolfley Jamie Kalama Wood

Greg Tucker Maria Tucker Kau’i Tuia Emilee Wright

Living Legends

BYU Living Legends captures the essence of ancient and modern cultures in a celebration of Latin American, Native American, and Polynesian song and dance.

Traditions come to life as talented descendants of these cultures blend authentic choreography, intricate costumes, and heart-pounding music into one captivating show.

Living Legends will be performing in Mexico in 2022—a place where many Living Legends students have family and loved ones. They performed in China and Brazil in 2019, and Germany and Switzerland in 2018. In 2016 the group toured New Zealand, Tonga, and Samoa.

Living Legends is produced by the Department of Dance in the College of Fine Arts and Communications at Brigham Young University.

Brigham Young University

Intensive learning in a stimulating setting—nurturing the mind, body, and spirit—is central to the mission of Brigham Young University. Cradled between the Rocky Mountains and Utah Lake, BYU was founded in 1875 by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The approximately 32,000 full-time students who attend BYU come from all 50 states and more than 100 countries, with about 70 percent coming from outside of Utah. All major religions are represented on campus. BYU’s faculty numbers around 1,600. The university offers about 180 bachelor’s degrees, more than 60 master’s degrees, and some 25 doctoral degrees, including a juris doctor.

Stay connected with us! @ byu­_livinglegends For more information, contact BYU Performing Arts Management: Justin T. Smith, Artist Manager | 306 Hinckley Center, Provo, UT 84602 Telephone: 801-422-3576 | Fax: 801-422-0546 | perform@byu.edu | livinglegends.byu. edu Recordings and sheet music to the song “Go, My Son” are available to order at BYUMusicStore.com or by calling 1-800-879-1555.

Special Thanks to:

BYU College of Fine Arts and Communications Ed Adams, Dean

BYU Multicultural Student Services Moises Aguirre, Director

BYU Department of Dance Curt Holman, Department Chair

BYU International Student and Scholar Services Sam Brown, Director

Living Legends Alumni Association Paige Benjamin, President

Retired Artistic Directors Janielle Christensen Randy Boothe

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BYU DEPARTMENT OF DANCE

BYU Arts Production BYU Arts Production Russell Richins, Director Benjamin Sanders, Assoc. Director Production Managers Benjamin Sanders, Dance & Tours Jennifer Reed, Theatre & Media Arts Troy Streeter, School of Music Jared Patching, BRAVO! Series Business Office Brian Olson, Manager Kathy Heckel, Asst. Mgr. Sean Wilson, Accountant Scheduling Operations Russell Richins, Manager Naomi Escobedo, Supervisor Dance & Tour Operations Benjamin Sanders, Manager Crysta Powell, Prod.

Stage Mgr. Olivia Jefferies, Production Assistant Drew Dahlberg, Digital Media Amber Dahlberg, Digital Media Ashley Johnson, Digital Media Properties Operations Jennifer Reed, Manager Sarah Anne Childs, Props Master

Caleb Brown, Props Artisan Jennifer Hunt, Props Artisan Alison Rino, Props Artisan Katie Arnold, Production Assistant

Technical Operations Travis Coyne, Manager/Technical Dir. (TD) Mark Ohran, TD/Tour Operations John Ward Shurtleff, TD/Tour Operations Jared Patching, TD/Stage Operations Ward Wright, Asst. TD/ Scene Shop Supervisor Elisabeth Goulding, Draftsman/Expeditor Paul Hintz, Carpenter/ Welder Carly Matheson, Painter Danali Linton, Carpenter/Painter Denyce Hawk, Carpenter/Painter Makenna Johnston, Carpenter/Painter Brian Sydick, Carpenter Lighting Operations Michael G. Handley, Manager/Resident Lighting Designer Marianne Ohran, Asst. Lighting Designer Mckenzie Ottley, Master Electrician Jacob Anderson, Crew Alexandra Cuthbert, Crew Michael Ballif, Crew Emma Hansen, Crew

Celia Linford, Crew Melissa Longhurst, Crew Sarah-Ann Moran, Crew Grant Porter, Crew Stephen Warren, Crew Dylan Wright, Crew Stage & Front of House Operations Jared Patching, Manager Sandra Geirisch, Venue Manager Joe Varela, Venue Manager Emily Benett, Prod. Asst.

Mishelle Kehoe, Prod Asst Katie Johnson, Office Manager Amanda Morris, Crew Sadie Villagomez, Crew Glenn Stapley, Crew Jason Murdoch, Crew Jessica Streibel, Crew Kaylee Kress, Crew Kirsten Busse, Crew Gabriella Soto Crew Marcus Weatherred, Crew Grace McKay, Crew Dakota Clement, Crew Lindsey Leetham, Crew Statler Smith, Crew Melissa Larsen, Crew Amelia Cook, Crew Courtney Cook, Crew Hayden Hall, Crew Freja Jorgensen, Crew Skyler Thompson, Crew Henry Young, Crew Moriah Longhurst, Crew Jenifer Saldana, Crew Spencer Poggemann, Crew Savanna Jarvis, Crew Camden Wawro, Crew

External Relations & Creative Services CFAC External Relations Melinda Semadeni, Assistant Dean Alyssa Anderson, Writer Elena Castro, Writer Savanna Shiman, Social Media Specialist Tran Diep, Web Developer

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Creative Services Rex Kocherhans, Marketing Services Manager Caitlin Ballantyne, Graphic Designer Kalli Roberts, Social Media Specialist Hannah Gould, Social Media Specialist

BYU DEPARTMENT OF DANCE

Kimberly Moore, Social Media Specialist

Joey Wright, Crew Allie Taylor, Crew Jason Powell, Crew Tennie Davis, Crew Costume Operations Jessica Cowden, Manager Deanne E. DeWitt, Asst. Mgr./Cutter/ Draper Rebekah Silver Jackson, Cutter/Draper MaryLynn Schaerrer, Young Ambassador Costumer Maya Nitta, Living Legends Costumer Margaret Darby, Stitcher Jenna Monson, Stitcher Emilie Ronhaar, Makeup/ Hair Coordinator Audio/Visual Operations Troy Streeter, Manager Jeff Carter, Recording Manager Holly Schellenberg, A/V Assistant Katie Black, A/V Technician Rachel Carr, A/V Technician Zach Griffin, A/V Technician Tiffany Parker, A/V Technician Grant Porter, A/V Technician Holly Schellenberg, A/V Technician Gabriella Warnick, A/V Technician Noah Rasmussen, A/V Technician