Local looks: World FolkFest a joy to see, experience in person
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- Cultural dance groups perform during the World FolkFest celebration at the SCERA theater in Orem on Monday, May 15, 2023.
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- Cultural dance groups perform during the World FolkFest celebration at the SCERA theater in Orem on Monday, May 15, 2023.
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- Cultural dance groups perform during the World FolkFest celebration at the SCERA theater in Orem on Monday, May 15, 2023.
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- Cultural dance groups perform during the World FolkFest celebration at the SCERA theater in Orem on Monday, May 15, 2023.
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- Cultural dance groups perform during the World FolkFest celebration at the SCERA theater in Orem on Monday, May 15, 2023.
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- Cultural dance groups perform during the World FolkFest celebration at the SCERA theater in Orem on Monday, May 15, 2023.
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- Cultural dance groups perform during the World FolkFest celebration at the SCERA theater in Orem on Monday, May 15, 2023.
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- Cultural dance groups perform during the World FolkFest celebration at the SCERA theater in Orem on Monday, May 15, 2023.
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- Cultural dance groups perform during the World FolkFest celebration at the SCERA theater in Orem on Monday, May 15, 2023.
Molly McCoy, Special to the Daily Herald
Cultural dance groups perform during the World FolkFest celebration at the SCERA theater in Orem on Monday, May 15, 2023.
On Monday, May 15, the World FolkFest made its way to the SCERA theater in Orem. As attendees found their seats, the auditorium was buzzing with excitement and chatter.
The World Folk Fest is the largest international folk dance festival in the west with 10 countries being represented over the course of four nights. This year’s festival is shaping up to be one that you won’t want to miss.
The night started off with the group Morning Star, they open up every Folk Fest with a song and prayer over the performers and festival goers alike. One of the participants in Morning Star spoke briefly about how their practices and performances incorporate a mix of old traditions, that have been passed down from generation to generation, to new practices that have been picked up over the group’s history. It really helped to set the tone for the festival as upcoming performances ranged from traditional folk to new dances set to the “Top Gun” soundtrack.
Performances included dances from the World Dance Company, The Harp Irish Dancers and The Rocky Mountain Express Cloggers. From start to finish there was so much to enjoy as each group — and each dance — provided variety and style. The Rocky Mountain Express Cloggers in particular were delightful and received special recognition.
The group has recently won four national titles and two titles for the longest duet. While their first performance was more traditional, their final performance was choreographed and costumed to match scenes from the film “Top Gun.”
Molly McCoy, Special to the Daily Herald
Cultural dance groups perform during the World FolkFest celebration at the SCERA theater in Orem on Monday, May 15, 2023.
If you missed the Orem performance, don’t fret. World Folkfest in Springville will be held from Aug. 1 until Aug. 5 with a street dance, three days of full festival fun and the closing night.
There are lots of ways to get involved this year including being a host family for performers, volunteering at the festival and, if you have a small business, joining the fun as a booth vendor. If the SCERA show is any indication, this will definitely be a week to remember no matter how you choose to attend.
Cultural dance groups perform during the World FolkFest celebration at the SCERA theater in Orem on Monday, May 15, 2023.
Cultural dance groups perform during the World FolkFest celebration at the SCERA theater in Orem on Monday, May 15, 2023.
Cultural dance groups perform during the World FolkFest celebration at the SCERA theater in Orem on Monday, May 15, 2023.
Cultural dance groups perform during the World FolkFest celebration at the SCERA theater in Orem on Monday, May 15, 2023.
Cultural dance groups perform during the World FolkFest celebration at the SCERA theater in Orem on Monday, May 15, 2023.
Cultural dance groups perform during the World FolkFest celebration at the SCERA theater in Orem on Monday, May 15, 2023.
Cultural dance groups perform during the World FolkFest celebration at the SCERA theater in Orem on Monday, May 15, 2023.
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