News Release

Ballroom Dance Champions Perform Before International Ambassadors

Internationally-acclaimed Brigham Young University Ballroom Dance Company performed to a capacity audience in London (June 18) that included diplomats from several nations as well as other prominent government and civic dignitaries.

The BYU dancers, whose university is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), gave a thrilling Saturday evening performance.  It took place not long after the Dance Company were named 2016 British ballroom and Latin formation champions (June 1 & 2). https://pam.byu.edu/encore/byu-ballroom-dance-company-wins-1st-place-prizes-blackpool-dance-festival/  They are currently US champions in both categories. 

With the competition behind them, the group embarked on a two-week performance tour throughout Great Britain featuring 11 performances, three devotionals, and two dance workshops.

Before the London performance community leaders had an opportunity to meet some of the dancers at a special pre-show gathering.  Attendees also included faith leaders, local government leaders, and figures from charity and business sectors – hosted by London area stakes [dioceses], mission presidents and Public Affairs representatives.

Facts and Figures: BYU Ballroom Dance Company

· The ensemble is known worldwide for its exciting and energetic performances. Their 90-minute showcase, Swing ’n’ Sway, features a wide variety of dances ranging from the Viennese Waltz to the West Coast Swing and including solo, small group, and full company numbers. The showcase includes theatre arts dancing, formation medleys, and light-hearted fun.

 · Last summer the company performed in Nauvoo, Illinois, USA where they presented special interactive programmes at city care centres and public venues in nearby cities during their two-week stay.

  · The dancers combine traditional formation dances and standard ballroom steps with fresh choreography, breathtaking lifts and spins, stunning costumes, and energetic melodies.

 · The Brigham Young University ballroom dance programme has gained an international reputation as the largest collegiate ballroom dance programme in the world.  Since its formation in 1971, the Ballroom Dance Company has performed in 37 of the United States and in 36 countries throughout Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, South Africa, and the South Pacific.

 · During their 2014 tour to China, the company was joined by a film crew to document the story of the team performing a joint number with their Chinese counterparts in the Guangzhou Academy. The couple running the academy was hosted by Curt Holman during a visit to observe BYU’s ballroom programme.

                                                                                                                                                                            · The BYU Ballroom Dance Company toured for three weeks in May, 2011 in Thailand and Vietnam, giving nine performances to more than 14,700 people, was filmed for TV broadcast three times, and performed for a Royal Princess of Thailand. This was the first time the group has performed in Vietnam.

 · In June 2008 the Ballroom Dance Company performed extensively in Hong Kong and China. The highlight of the 2008 tour was participation in the opening of the Beijing Cultural Olympic Festival, preceding the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing in August.

 · The BYU Ballroom Dance Company is the current United States National Formation Dance Champion, a title the team has won 30 consecutive times, dating back to 1982.

 · The Ballroom Dance Company originates in the Department of Dance of the College of Fine Arts and Communications at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, USA.  BYU is one of the nation’s largest private universities with an enrolment of more than 30,000 students from across the United States and more than 100 countries.

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.