The BYU Young Ambassadors, in collaboration with the newly formed BYU Rhythm ‘N Soul Collective, have unveiled a vibrant cover of CAIN’s hit song, “I’m So Blessed.” This fresh rendition showcases the dynamic performances of both groups, blending their distinctive styles into a captivating and soulful interpretation.The BYU Rhythm ‘N Soul Collective, a new addition to the BYU music scene, brings a unique and rich, groove-oriented sound to the project, complementing the Young Ambassadors’ engaging and spirited performance. Together, they offer a refreshing take on the popular track, highlighting their individual talents while creating a harmonious and energetic sound.This partnership adds depth and flair to the original song, enhancing the song’s uplifting message and is sure to captivate audiences.Watch the video here.

The BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble brings the 1920s to life with a traditional Charleston dance, filmed amid the historic charm of Charleston, South Carolina. This visually stunning performance, recorded during the ensemble’s Southern States tour, immerses viewers in the lively spirit of Charleston while showcasing the group’s exceptional talent. The video celebrates the dance’s origins and brings the city’s vibrant culture to life through a captivating performance.Set against the picturesque backdrop of Charleston’s iconic architecture and cobblestone streets, the video captures the essence of the Charleston dance style with remarkable authenticity. Adding to the performance’s charm, the music accompanying the dance is provided by BYU Mountain Strings. Their lively and engaging musical arrangement enhances the visual spectacle, creating a dynamic fusion that brings the essence of the Charleston dance style to life. The ensemble’s energetic performance and attention to historical detail highlight their dedication to preserving and celebrating folk traditions. The location connects the dance to its cultural roots, offering viewers a sense of immersion in the city’s storied past.Watch video here.

BYU Mountain Strings is excited to announce the release of their latest music video, a vibrant reimagining of the classic American song “Handsome Molly.” Known for its enduring appeal among bluegrass enthusiasts, the song’s tale of a broken romance is given a lively new spin in this new rendition.  In their playful take, BYU Mountain Strings infuses “Handsome Molly” with a Caribbean beat and dynamic solos, creating a unique fusion that breathes new life into the traditional tune. Filmed on the picturesque Brigham Young University campus during the peak of spring, the video showcases the campus in full bloom, adding a visually stunning backdrop to the upbeat musical performance.   The video promises to be a delightful treat for both bluegrass enthusiasts and new listeners alike, capturing the joy and creativity that the band brings to their music.     Watch the full video and join BYU Mountain Strings in celebrating this exciting reinterpretation of a beloved classic 

BYU Noteworthy has just released a captivating new music video with their cover of “The Feels,” originally by Korea’s popular group Twice. It was filmed in the bustling city of Seoul, South Korea, during the group’s recent extended tour in Japan, Mongolia, and South Korea. The video features iconic Korean landmarks, blending the dynamic energy of Seoul with Noteworthy’s harmoniously arranged vocals and choreography. This latest release showcases the group’s talent and pays homage to the rich culture and lively atmosphere of their tour’s locations. The Asia tour allowed BYU Noteworthy to connect with diverse audiences and explore new artistic inspirations. Filming “The Feels” in Seoul was a highlight of their journey, providing an immersive cultural experience that is reflected in the video’s authentic and lively backdrop. The release of this music video not only celebrates their artistry, but also their appreciation for the global community they engaged with during their tour. With both the original and night versions available, viewers can experience the group’s performances in different atmospheric settings. Watch the official video here Watch the night version here Listen here

The final week of the BYU Young Ambassadors’ tour to China was a whirlwind of activity. The busy week started on Monday with a cultural activity at the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Center, where artisans from the Shaanxi Province had booths showcasing local art, crafts, and music. The students were captivated by the variety of art forms represented.  The Young Ambassadors were honored to represent the United States at the US-China Tourism Leadership Summit in Xi’an. They spent the afternoon rehearsing for that evening’s private show for the summit’s delegates. The performance included a simple Chinese dance with parasols and fans to be performed with the other program participants for the finale. The performance that night was simply stunning.  The show, titled Broadway Charm and Qin Rhyme, featured the Young Ambassadors performing a shortened version of their show. They were followed by six performing groups from the Shaanxi Province who showcased Chinese dance, acrobatics, martial arts dance, calligraphy, shadow play, marionette puppets, Chinese opera, and street dance. The BYU students were awed and honored to share the stage with such prodigious talent. They were also thrilled to take photos and interact with the other performers following the show.  Early the next morning, the group traveled to the Xi’an International Convention Center, where they rehearsed with other performers for the opening ceremony of the summit. They spent the afternoon visiting the excavation site of the Terracotta Army and were amazed at the vastness of the ancient clay soldiers. That evening, they attended the summit’s welcome ceremony as honored guests.  Wednesday morning, the group joined other performers at the summit in singing the beloved Chinese folk song “Mo Li Hua (Jasmine Flower)” for the opening ceremony. The BYU students were honored to be involved in celebrating the growing ties in tourism and cultural exchange between China and the United States.  That afternoon, Xi’an Tieyi High School hosted the group for a cultural exchange, after which the Young Ambassadors boarded a flight to Nanjing. They performed in Nanjing on Thursday evening, followed by an early-morning flight to Taiyuan. Friday evening, they gave their final performance of the China tour, at the Taiyuan Youth’s Palace Arts Center, where they entertained a nearly full house and many dignitaries in attendance.  On Saturday morning, the group boarded the final train of their tour, heading for Beijing. They spent the afternoon climbing the Great Wall of China at Juyongguan. Several members of the group bravely completed the full loop of the wall in that area in two hours, despite the rain, cold, and foggy conditions.  The Young Ambassadors’ last full day in China began with attending church in Beijing with an international branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were overjoyed to finally worship with local Church members, having missed the privilege previously in the tour due to scheduling and government protocols. That afternoon they toured the Forbidden City, marveling at the scope and craftsmanship of the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Afterward, they explored the Silk Market to gather some final souvenirs before boarding a flight to return to Utah on Monday morning.  The Young Ambassadors have treasured their time on tour. Reflecting on her experience in China, BYU student Riley Holmes says, “It was really special for me to interact with people from other cultures in music and song, even if we couldn’t understand each other. It also meant a lot to become so close with our team. My time in China was a dream come true!”  BYU student Christian McCleary adds, “I learned that the arts are a universal language. We may not have been able to understand each other’s words, but we could always relate to music and dance. I learned a lot about how diverse cultures can be, but what meant the most to me was the time I spent with my fellow performers.” The group members are grateful for the opportunity they had to experience ancient and modern Chinese culture and to connect with the people of China. They have made memories and associations on this tour that will last a lifetime. 

The ensemble began their week exploring downtown Nashville before traveling to Nolensville High School to participate in an outreach with the school’s special education students. The high school students enjoyed interactive dances with the Folk Dancers and the chance to talk with them. Students from the high school’s theatre tech class were invited to work with the BYU students in setting up the stage for the ensemble’s evening performance and were able to see how the behind-the-scenes magic happens.  In Birmingham, Alabama, the ensemble was featured on Fox 6 News, giving a live interview and dance demonstration before they began setting up a show at Thompson High School. Shortly after arriving, half of the group departed for a nearby intermediate school, where 400 fifth graders were waiting to learn about cultural dances and see some of the show’s highlights. In the evening, the Folk Dancers and Mountain Strings took to the stage for a mesmerizing performance in Birmingham.  On Wednesday, May 15, the ensemble visited the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, which was built where enslaved Black people in the past were forced to labor in a cotton warehouse. The Legacy Museum tells the story of slavery in America through interactive media, first-person narratives, world-class art, and data-rich exhibits. After a morning of reflection the BYU group arrived at O’Dessa’s Blessing, a southern restaurant, where they were received warmly. The ensemble next drove down to Tallahassee, Florida, where they participated in an uplifting outreach session with local youth of the Church that combined dance instruction and testimony.  The group finally had a day to catch an extra hour of sleep before they visited the construction site of the Tallahassee Florida Temple and had a bite to eat. Afterward, they set up at Lawton Chiles High School, where the ensemble delighted the crowd with a rousing final performance of a long but rewarding tour.  The ensemble ventured into nature the next day with a visit to the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia, surrounding themselves with the natural biodiversity and beauty of the blackwater swamp, birds, Spanish moss, and, of course, alligators. They headed to Jacksonville Beach, Florida, that night.  They spent Saturday afternoon at Daytona Beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the sand and waves. In the evening they experienced a swashbuckling-filled Pirate’s Dinner Adventure show.  On Sunday, they attended church in Orlando and then spread joy and uplifted spirits at a heartfelt devotional for youth and young adults.  To conclude their time in the Southeast, the ensemble had the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the magic and wonder at Walt Disney World. The group investigated the many cultural lands in Epcot and on another day packed in rides, food, and more fun at Hollywood Studios. Spending time at the Disney parks marked the end of several weeks on the road making wonderful memories.  BYU Folk Dance Ensemble’s time in the southern United States was truly unforgettable, filled with diverse experiences, magical performances, educational outreach programs, cultural exploration, and beachside relaxation. They were grateful for the opportunity to represent Brigham Young University and meet amazing people while on tour. 

The Young Ambassadors kicked off the second week of their tour with a magical day at Shanghai Disneyland, one of the world’s most beloved theme parks. On Tuesday, May 14, the Young Ambassadors arrived in Hangzhou and explored the historical and natural beauty of the city. They visited Lingyin Temple and Fei Lai Feng, where ancient Buddhist carvings and temple grounds provided a glimpse into China’s spiritual heritage. The day concluded with a walk along Hefang Street, where they explored traditional crafts and local delicacies. They spent the next morning by Xi Hu (West Lake) before the busy afternoon. BYU president C. Shane Reese and his wife, Wendy; associate international vice president Jeff Ringer and his wife, Amy; and general counsel Steve Sandberg and his son John all arrived in China in time to watch the Young Ambassadors perform at the Dongpo Theater. President Reese greeted the group following the performance and expressed his gratitude for their positive representation of BYU in China. The Young Ambassadors took a train to Hefei the next day, where they delivered a stunning performance at the Hefei Grand Theater. The following morning, the group took a bus to Yancheng. There they performed at the Jiangsu Grand Theater. The audience that night was filled with families and included many excited children who enthusiastically waved LED light sticks in response to the dancers’ energy. Saturday was a much-needed recovery day for the group. They spent the morning enjoying the amenities of their hotel and exploring the city. That afternoon they visited the China Yellow Sea Wetlands Museum, where they learned about the ecological importance of the region. They also spent time exploring the Zhulin Hotel, a replica of old Yancheng that hearkens back to the China of the 1960s and ’70s, before diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and the United States were reestablished. Sunday morning the group boarded a train for Xi’an. They spent the evening surrounded by the vibrant culture and crowds that thronged the city, from the nearby Dayan (Big Wild Goose) Pagoda to the Great Tang All Day Mall. The Young Ambassadors’ second week in China was a journey of new discoveries and vivid performances that bridged cultures and created lasting memories. As they continue their tour, the students look forward to more opportunities to connect with new friends and share their talents.