Dancing around the globe
Published on Wed, Oct 1, 2008 by Avani NadkarniRead More News
The colorful costumes and lively choices in music of the Ballroom Dance Company are nothing compared to the group's trump card: They can dance!
The group, which originated in 1960 in Brigham Young University's Department of Dance, has racked up accolades and awards. BDC has dominated the national formation dance scene, winning every United States Formation Dance Championship since 1982.
The group is making its mark on the world stage as well, including trips to England, Belgium, French Polynesia, Korea, Ukraine and Australia.
"The Ballroom Dance Company showed excellent professionalism, not only during the performance but also through their preparation and association with the local people," said Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints leader Won Yong Ko, who saw the group in Seoul. "(They) left a great impression on the people of Korea."
Since 1980, the BDC has been directed and choreographed by Lee and Linda Wakefield, a husband and wife dancing duo who met at the BYU ballroom dance program. Under the tutelage of the Wakefields, the BDC has become the largest collegiate ballroom dance program in the world.
It is no wonder why - people who have seen them perform around the world seem to have nothing but praise.
"The costumes and music were gorgeous, the dancing - perfection," said South African audience member Ismay Doyle. "It was a tonic indeed and one came away from the performance feeling happy - a rare commodity these days."
Another BYU dance program, the International Folk Dance Ensemble, stopped by Port Angeles in February of this year.
Who: Ballroom Dance Company from Brigham Young University
What: A showcase of spectacular ballroom dances from the largest collegiate ballroom dance program in the world
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15
Where: Port Angeles High School auditorium, 304 E. Park Ave., Port Angeles
Tickets: Can be purchased at Pacific Mist Books in
Sequim or Port Book & News in Port Angeles
The group, which originated in 1960 in Brigham Young University's Department of Dance, has racked up accolades and awards. BDC has dominated the national formation dance scene, winning every United States Formation Dance Championship since 1982.
The group is making its mark on the world stage as well, including trips to England, Belgium, French Polynesia, Korea, Ukraine and Australia.
"The Ballroom Dance Company showed excellent professionalism, not only during the performance but also through their preparation and association with the local people," said Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints leader Won Yong Ko, who saw the group in Seoul. "(They) left a great impression on the people of Korea."
Since 1980, the BDC has been directed and choreographed by Lee and Linda Wakefield, a husband and wife dancing duo who met at the BYU ballroom dance program. Under the tutelage of the Wakefields, the BDC has become the largest collegiate ballroom dance program in the world.
It is no wonder why - people who have seen them perform around the world seem to have nothing but praise.
"The costumes and music were gorgeous, the dancing - perfection," said South African audience member Ismay Doyle. "It was a tonic indeed and one came away from the performance feeling happy - a rare commodity these days."
Another BYU dance program, the International Folk Dance Ensemble, stopped by Port Angeles in February of this year.
Who: Ballroom Dance Company from Brigham Young University
What: A showcase of spectacular ballroom dances from the largest collegiate ballroom dance program in the world
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15
Where: Port Angeles High School auditorium, 304 E. Park Ave., Port Angeles
Tickets: Can be purchased at Pacific Mist Books in
Sequim or Port Book & News in Port Angeles
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Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone 360-683-3311, or toll free at 800-829-5810. FAX 360-683-6670.
For a complete company directory with contact information please click HERE.
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