On April 11 and 12, Southern Utah University’s Ballroom Dance Company is celebrating their 30th anniversary with a spring showcase at 7:30 p.m. in the SUU Auditorium.
The show is titled, “Looking Back” and will feature dances inspired by the decades of hard work and dedication that have been shared within the group.
“For those who have been on (the) team it’s a moment to look back and for those who maybe don’t know about ballroom it’s a chance to see something new…it’s not like anything else you can see here at SUU,” said dancer Sarah Hall.
From samba to sock hop, the company has prepared various dances relating to the performances they’ve done throughout the years. Past directors have recorded messages to pair with the dances for an added touch of nostalgia.
“There’s history attached to all of (the dances) and people in the audience are going to feel that because they’ll see someone that danced in their spot and they’re just going to give them the love back,” said director Andrea Johnson. “That’s what’s pretty awesome about having so many alumni in the audience because they know what it’s also like to be on the stage.”
Johnson began her journey with SUU Ballroom as a student dancer and it has had a lasting impact on her, especially now as the director. She hopes to provide her dancers with an experience similar to hers.
“SUU is a place where I learned so much about myself and made great friendships. And that’s what all these dancers are doing here. They’re building friendships that are going to last for the rest of their life and they’re getting a degree,” said Johnson.
Tickets are available for pre-purchase from members of the Ballroom Dance Company for $10. For more information, contact the Ballroom Dance Company on Instagram.
Author: Brooklyn Beard
Photographer: Brooklyn Beard
Editor: Tessa Cheshire
arts@suunews.net
