By Jennifer Mustoe
At the Mustoe household, we love dancing, so what better event should we attend but Springville World Folkfest that is right near our home? World Folkfest is a jolly group of dances from around the world who gather to share their talents.
The event is at Spring Acres Arts Park near Springville High School on a stage that is flanked by a green area that has not only benches but tons of green grass to put blankets or lawn chairs on. Patrons used all three options. Except the kids, who ran all over the place. That is, until the dancing started.
The gates open at 6:00 PM, but the dancing doesn’t start until 7:30 PM. If you want to go early, there are fun little booths, dancers who are selling wares that are straight from their native country, and a fun photo opp booth with some of the beautiful dancers in their elaborate costumes. Food trucks are also available and from what I saw that others were eating, the food looks yummy. My granddaughters (age almost 3 and almost 7) accompanied me and loved the whole event. Because they both love fancy costumes, they were able to see some wonderful ones: intense colors, lovely fabrics, gorgeous designs. Many of the dancers were already in costume and just wandering around the grounds and are willing to smile and pose when asked. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, from the dancers to the event organizers, are kind, helpful, and ready for the fun World Folkfest promises to provide. The vibe at World Folkfest is one of friendliness, kindness, delight, and good will. The audience was made up of all types, and were enthusiastic and ready to be entertained. All dancers seem to always be smiling–excellent ambassadors for their countries.
The organizers of the event have suggested people bring bug repellant and though I didn’t see any bugs, it might not be a bad idea. Though the event is fenced, keep an eye on your kiddos. There are hills and some of the kids waiting for the event were running down the hill really fast and I was afraid my two were going to get run over. However, this is not any kind of message like “keep your kids calmed down.” Far from it. World Folkfest is for all who want to be in a community of gathering and fun and camaraderie.
From their Facebook page:
With a great preshow performance from American Folk Ensemble the night was filled with energy…until it wasn’t. (My girls LOVED the Folk Ensemble–both now want to take clogging lessons.) Mid-performance the lights and sound disappeared on stage, but Plzeňský lidový soubor MLADINA just brought the energy higher as they continued to dance and entertain. Within seconds of the lights going out, the stage was covered with the glow of light from phones all across the park, making for the first time ever World Folkfest audience-lit show. These dancers continued to perform and began playing their instruments to provide the music. It was a magical experience to be a part of and it filled the park with the love and humanity that World Folkfest is all about. #OneWorldOneStage
Join us tonight! Tickets: www.worldfolkfest.org/tickets
Children’s Activity: India Rangoli Art w/ Rising Star Outreach Inc
Preshow performance from Danzas Chile Oficial
Morning Star Native American Ensemble
Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl de Utah
Plzeňský lidový soubor MLADINA
Bārbeles folkloras kopa Tīrums
World Folkfest performs two more nights: Friday and Saturday. Spring Acres Arts Park, 700 S 1300 E, Springville, UT
A side note: families in and around Springville are asked to host these dancers so if this sounds like something you’d like to offer next year, please contact the organization in advance. The opportunity to interact with some of these fine representatives from their countries could be a once in a lifetime experience.
Contact: 801-361-4092 | hello@worldfolkfest.org
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