Champions top
"They excel not just in formation maneuvers but in unison step-work that's smooth as honey. Their partnering is seamless for swings and lifts. . ." George Jackson, Washington Post Championship

Championship formation dancing, breath-taking lifts and spins -- all performed in a seemingly endless stream of shimmering costumes -- no one does it better than the Ballroom Dance Company. The first Americans ever to win the prestigious British Formation Championships, a feat they have repeated an unprecedented ten times, the dancers have also competed in the World Formation Championships and have consistently earned top honors in the United States National Formation Championships.

Touring the World top
The company has toured with its variety showcase of Latin and international dance styles - - including waltz, samba, foxtrot, and hustle -- throughout Europe, East Asia, the Middle East, the South Pacific, eastern Asia and the United States. They have also performed as special guest artists at ballroom dance competitions in China, Ukraine and Hungary. And always, no matter where they perform, the Ballroom Dance Company dazzles and delights.

"The group captivates audiences with dancing that is unequaled in energy, elegance, and expression all night long. With flawless timing and incredible technique the Ballroom Dance Company paints a perfect picture at every performance." South Idaho Press

The Ballroom Dance Company has triumphed again--in June they came home from the British Open Ballroom Dance Championships in Blackpool, England, with two more first place trophies. The ballroom team participates every three years in the annual competition, which many call the Olympics of ballroom dance.

This year's standard formation championship was especially challenging because of a talented team from Russia. After watching the Russians dance, BYU team members knew they would need to dance their best to win--and they did. Both the Latin and standard teams upheld the BYU tradition by winning first place, bringing the total to 14 first place trophies since 1971.

Shows in Europe top
After winning in Blackpool, the company traveled to 15 cities in Scotland and England, performing for enthusiastic crowds. The Ballroom Dancers were consistently given standing ovations, and their performance of various popular dance styles was compared to the internationally acclaimed production of Riverdance.

In Aberdeen, Scotland, the company performed a benefit for Cash for Kids, a charity in connection with the local radio station. The next evening the Ballroom Dancers were honored to perform at the prestigious His Majesty's Theatre. Sponsoring the dancers in Dundee, Scotland, was the charitable organization Chernobyl Children's Life Line, a group that brings Chernobyl victims to England for a few months for medical assistance, greatly increasing their life-spans.

Host families in England and Scotland were warm and friendly, according to team member Kim Judd. Her hosts in Scotland were especially amused by her attempt to imitate the Scottish brogue.

Returning to England, the dancers performed in several cities, including York, Sunderland, Cheltenham, Exmouth, Leicester, and London. Many of the hosting cities have already asked the group to return after their next British competition in 2001.

The Ballroom Dance Company also toured famous sites such as the York Cathedral, Fountain Abbey, and Stonehenge, as well as historical places in London.

How It All Came Together top
The team prepared most rigorously for the competition and the tour. In addition to rehearsing three hours a day during the last weeks before leaving, students spent hours attaching rhinestones and sequins to their costumes and learning the history and background of the British Isles.

Artistic director Lee Wakefield believes the extra work and effort is key to the group's success. Besides preparing to compete, students learn skills and values, such as hard work and dedication, that will help them throughout their lives, Wakefield said.