BYU’s Six Dance Companies Bring the World to the Marriott Center Stage in their Annual—and Unforgettable— World of Dance
Fall semester has just begun. For many, that means laptops, backpacks and mastering shuttle schedules. For BYU’s Dance Department, it means ballet shoes, ballgowns and late-night rehearsals as they prepare to perform the highly anticipated “World of Dance” — a vibrant, once-a-year performance that brings the globe to the Marriott Center stage through a wide variety of dance.
The show features BYU's six mainstage dance companies: Ballroom Dance Company, Contemporary Dance Theatre, International Folk Dance Ensemble, Living Legends, Theatre Ballet and Young Ambassadors. Each company brings a unique style and energy — offering audiences a culturally rich experience that spans classical ballet to contemporary, Polynesian to Latin and ballroom to folk traditions from around the world.
Adam Dyer, associate chair and professor of contemporary dance, explains why this performance is so impactful: “We hope audiences leave inspired by the breadth, depth, beauty and diversity of dance offered at BYU. I really don’t know of another university that explores as many genres and styles, while engaging as many students in that inquiry, as BYU. We hope audiences experience joy and gain a deeper appreciation for the ways movement connects us across cultures and perspectives.”
More than just a performance, “World of Dance” reflects BYU’s mission of providing a spiritually strengthening, intellectually enlarging and character-building education. “‘World of Dance’ embodies BYU’s mission by creating a shared experience through live theatre that fosters cultural understanding, celebrates diversity and cultivates empathy,” said Dyer. “It invites audiences to expand their worldview while strengthening values of unity and lifelong appreciation for the arts.”
Experience different cultures of the world in the Marriott Center this September and celebrate, as Dyer states, “the opportunity to share a rich tapestry of global traditions in one performance, highlighting dance as a universal language that truly unites us while honoring our differences.”
Tickets and Show Details
When: September 25-26 | 7:30 p.m.
September 27 | 2:00 p.m.
Where: BYU Marriott Center
Price: $20-25
Tickets: Available online at BYU Tickets