Makeila Morgan grew up learning the Tongan dances of her heritage. She further developed her passion for dance in the cultural dance program at BYU where she found a sense of belonging.
As a first-generation college student, Morgan learned to face her fears and be open to new experiences. Her advice to someone in a similar situation is to “allow yourself to be changed by those experiences and the people that you meet.”
Through her participation with the International Folk Dance Ensemble and Living Legends, Morgan has learned that dance is a universal language. She feels greater empathy and love when performing dances from around the world and feels that dancing is a way to emulate the light of Jesus Christ.
“I feel like I am connected with those people. I feel lifted, like there are people carrying me, and I feel like they are guiding my motions," Morgan says. "That brings peace while I am dancing. I feel really connected to them and I feel connected to my ancestors.”
