Ballroom Dance Company Places at Top of Competition

Published: June 27, 2017 | Author: Cami Mathews | Read Time: 1 minutes

SUU's ballroom Dance team at the Royal Dancesport Challenge awardsSouthern Utah University’s Ballroom Dance Company turned out an impressive performance at the Royal Dancesport Challenge last month. The competition, open to all levels of dancers, was a chance for the company to represent the university and capitalize on their skill.

The competition was fierce, with dancers traveling from around the country to Connecticut. Competitors had options to compete solo or as partners, in dances that ranged from Samba to Quickstep.

SUU’s team placed in the following events:

  • 1st place, Open Gold International Samba, Darrell Call and Madi Blanchard
  • 1st place, Open Silver American Rhythm Hustle, Dave Handy and Ally Ing
  • 1st place, Open Silver International Quickstep, Danny Keetch and Emily Burton
  • 1st place, Amateur International Latin Pre-Champ, Rene Guzman and Lindsey Powell
  • 2nd place, Amateur International Latin Pre-Champ, Hector Ortega and Haley Powers
  • 3rd place, Amateur International Latin Pre-Champ, Joseph Argyle and Laikin Barney

In preparation for the competition, each couple had to choreograph their own routines while staying in the parameters set by the judges. Leading up to the event, dancers stacked their weeks with individual and team practices while balancing class and work schedules.

Jessica Chapman, director of the company and masters candidate for art administration, was excited about the company being able to showcase their hard work and learn from the experience. She knows how powerful dancing can be for those participating.

“I am excited to get more students involved in the competitive aspect of ballroom dance,” said Chapman. “Ballroom is so much more than social dancing or performing for large audiences, it is a style of dance that allows you to push through difficult moves and find greatness within yourself.”

For more information on the Ballroom Dance Company, visit their website.

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