Ballroom Dance Company

Preparing for International Competition

The Ballroom Dance Company landed safely at the Manchester, England, airport early Saturday morning before heading to Blackpool for the first day of events at the world-famous Blackpool Dance Festival. They began preparations with a rehearsal in the Spanish Hall at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

Sunday was a day of rest as the group enjoyed a tour hosted by Church history enthusiast Peter Faag, who took them through the River Ribble Valley and the city of Preston to teach them about many of the first Latter-day Saints in England. After the tour, church services, and a brief stop at the Preston England Temple, the group finished out the night with a special devotional in Manchester with local members of the Church.

BYU dancers Ryan Podzikowski and Maddy Money demonstrate dramatic form while practicing at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.

Throughout this week, the Ballroom Dance Company will participate in individual dance competitions as well as the British Latin Formation and British Ballroom Formation Dance Championships. The company won both events in 2016 when they last competed, and they hope to bring home the titles yet again this year.

Before attending church, members of the BYU Ballroom Dance Company pose in front of the Preston England Temple.

The BYU Ballroom Dance Company artistic director, Curt Holman, gives words of encouragement during a rehearsal the first day in Blackpool, England.

BYU dancers Ryan Podzikowski and Maddy Money demonstrate dramatic form while practicing at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.

Before attending church, members of the BYU Ballroom Dance Company pose in front of the Preston England Temple.

The BYU Ballroom Dance Company artistic director, Curt Holman, gives words of encouragement during a rehearsal the first day in Blackpool, England.

Members of the Ballroom Dance Company enjoy an inside look at St. Leonard’s Church in Downham, England.

Students pose in the Japanese Garden in Avenham Park in Preston, England.

BYU dancer Laurel McIntire is lifted in the air by her teammates while practicing the new Latin medley, “Carmen.”

At Market Square in Preston, England, the students enjoy a Church history tour courtesy of local Church member and historian Peter Faag.

The BYU Ballroom Dance Company poses in front of Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.

The Latin Formation team rehearses in the Spanish Hall at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.