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Tallahassee event scheduled for Chiles High School
Brigham Young University’s (BYU) International Folk Dance Ensemble will make a stop in Tallahassee May 16 as part of its “Journey Reflections” tour of the southern states.
The dance troupe combines ethnic traditions with exquisite costumes and showcases dance styles of the world. The ensemble offers one of the broadest spectrums of folk dance performed by a group of its kind. Its extensive repertoire includes music and dance from all over the world, including Europe, the Caribbean and Asia.
Under the artistic direction of Jeanette Geslison, the International Folk Dance Ensemble has performed throughout the United States and in more than 40 countries worldwide. As an emissary of the United States and American traditions, the group has become internationally famous at the most prestigious folk-dance festivals abroad and had the opportunity to perform with many of the world’s finest dance companies.
In 2019, the ensemble traveled to China as a part of the BYU China Spectacular, which included BYU groups such as Young Ambassadors, Vocal Point, Living Legends, Cougarettes, Dunk Team and Chamber Orchestra.
In 2015, the group toured throughout Europe where they performed in three international folk festivals; The International Folklore Festival in Karlovac, Croatia; ‘Ciudad de Burgos’ International Folkloric Festival in Burgos, Spain; and the Extremadura Festival in Badajoz, Spain. Other prestigious festivals include the International Folklore Festival in Haifa, Israel; the Festival de Confolens in Confolens, France; and the Billingham International Folklore Festival in Stockton-on-Tees, England.
The ensemble is made up of 28 dancers, seven musicians and four technicians. Combined, they form one of the most unique performing arts groups in the United States. The group’s folk music ensemble, Mountain Strings, provides the magic of live music for the group. Its traditional approach to music includes the banjo, fiddle and other acoustic instruments specializing in American, French-Canadian, and Celtic styles of music. The distinct sounds of spoons, bones and bodhrans add percussive variety. The performers are all BYU students.
What: BYU Folk Dance Ensemble: Journey Reflections
Where: Chiles High School Auditorium
When: Thursday, May 16 at 7 PM
For tickets, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/byu-international-folk-dance-ensemble-tallahassee-fl-tickets-795619006867
Promo Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkNIT992sCE
