Kelina Anderson is a born artist — ballet dancer, award-winning actor, commissioned artist — but it’s her work with BYU’s Living Legends that has kept her close to her Native American heritage. The BYU senior studying art history and curatorial studies is a Native American Section Leader with the performing group, where she’s especially known for her fabulous hoop dances. She has extended her talents to numerous powwows, where she recently placed first in the jingle dance category. She now mixes her love for visual arts with her dancing by doing the beadwork for her own regalia. The beadwork keeps her connected to her Native American heritage. She also serves as a mentor to other Native American college and high school students, encouraging them to achieve their own educational goals. Her love for the arts enables Kelina to connect with people from the world, creating loving relationships along the way.
Fully Booked A typical day in my life is going to school and attending my art history classes. There I learn about the history of the world, artists’ biographies and art works that always impress me. From there, I usually have Living Legends rehearsals where I teach and dance for 3-4 hours. After rehearsals, I get food with friends, draw, beadwork and/or do homework. Somewhere in each day I do something spontaneous with my best friend, like shopping, the gym or playing video games.
Plot Twist Becoming a leader for Living Legends has been a really great and humbling surprise. It has taught me a lot about myself. I have learned so much from the other dancers on the team. They inspire me everyday to do better.
Hero’s Journey In 2021, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. While my family was dealing with this battle, things around me felt like they were falling out of place. I struggled with confidence in my dancing and in relationships. Yet, as I remembered who I am, remembered my ancestors, and remembered the good around me, I knew that there could be beauty in turmoil.
Vital Title “The Enemy” series by Charlie Higson is my favorite! It is “Lord of the Flies” meets zombies — and I absolutely love zombies. I love the idea of the apocalyptic and the challenges of what it means to be human.
The Sequel I hope to be working as a curator at a nice museum. I want to be able to use my degree to bring people together.