The World in Dance

Published: November 12, 2009 | Read Time: 2 minutes

The Southern Utah University Ballroom Dance Company will present World of Dance in conjunction with the SUU Polynesian Club, SUU Hip Hop Club, Waukeenyans, SUU Percussion Ensemble, SUU Theatre and Dance Department, Cedar Junior Ballet and Cedar High School’s "Mohey Tawa" Drill Team on November 13 and 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the Heritage Center Theater. 

The event will offer audience members an evening of cultural education and unique entertainment. The varied forms and cultures of dance, along with a performance by the SUU Percussion Ensemble, will keep the audience entertained from the opening number through the curtain call. 

The Percussion Ensemble, directed by Dr. Lynn Vartan, will keep pace with the varied dance numbers and cultural nuances by using a variety of instruments, from marimbas to trash cans. 

Dance transcends generations and cultures, and audience members can expect to be awed by the beautiful styles of dance on display this weekend. Beyond entertaining, the Ballroom Dance Company hopes, that by sharing in something unique to individual cultures, this performance will increase cross-cultural understanding. 

Additionally, according to SUU Ballroom Dance Company Director Mark Baker, who initially conceived the cultural showcase theme for the Ballroom Dance Company’s fall agenda, the World of Dance production gives many campus organizations an opportunity to showcase their performance talents in a venue that often exceeds the audience and resources normally available to these smaller groups. Baker said all the organizations he approached were excited to get involved. 

The festival will feature dances from over 20 different countries with rich cultural history and beautiful costumes. Baker emphasized his own excitement to allow many of SUU’s students a forum in which they can showcase their cultural traditions and pride. 

In addition to the two full-length evening performances, a shortened presentation will be given Friday morning to local elementary children. The focus of this presentation will be to educate the school children about the different cultures represented in the concert, increasing their exposure to cultures that they may not otherwise learn about. 

Tickets to the evening performances are available at the Heritage Theater box office and are $10 for general admission and $8 for students. They may be purchased by calling 435‐865‐2882 or at the door the night of each performance.

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Contact Information:

435-586-5400
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