Photos by Pesi Fonua

In a colourful celebration of Polynesian, Native American and Latin American song and dance, Brigham Young University students "Living Legends" opened their Tongan goodwill visit with a Royal Performance of their show called "Seasons" for Queen Nanasipau'u at 'Atele Stadium on Saturday night.

The dance troupe of 39 students, mainly from the BYU College of Fine Arts and Communications, along with eight technical crew, are in the middle of a tour of three countries, New Zealand, Tonga and Samoa, between April 25 and May 17.

Dancers wearing eye-catching costumes and beautiful dresses presented traditional dances with passion and joy, including a Tongan tau'olunga solo performance. With a trio of drums - a lali, a skin-drum and a biscuit tin - the drummers had all the beats covered and the crowd loved it. A fascinating North American hoop dance was performed with much skill, and a singing violinist and guitarist presented a lively Mexican mariachi, among 21 choreographed presentations that were full of youthful exuberance within Morman discipline.

The multi-cultural show, professionally presented, is a treat for Tongans and not to be missed. A public performance of "Seasons" will be held at 7:00pm on Tuesday May 10, at 'Atele Stadium for a small entry fee.