June 13 , 2005
For Immediate Release
For more information:
Megan Laurie
(801) 863-7149
Written by:
Kimberly Jones
(801) 863-7011
UVSC Ballroom Dance Company Takes First at International Competition
The Utah Valley State College Ballroom Dance Company brought home an 85-year old solid silver trophy Thursday and invitations to dance for the UN Delegation at the General Assembly and the World Health Organization in the Geneva Opera House next year after taking first place in formation standard and second place in formation Latin at the Open British Championships in Blackpool, England, one of the most prestigious dance competitions in the world.
“This year’s team was exceptional,” said Scott Asbell, ballroom dance director at UVSC. “It’s very rewarding to watch students sacrifice so much and receive that type of recognition on a world stage.”
After touring Europe for a month and dancing for delegates from the United Nations and the World Health Organization in Geneva, the ballroom dance company went to Blackpool to train four days prior to the Championships. Competing against finalists from Italy, China, Hungary and Great Britain, among others, UVSC was favored to win in both formation standard and Latin.
“I suspected we’d do well,” said Asbell. “These are some of the finest dancers we’ve ever had at UVSC.”
The ballroom dance company will start rebuilding their team this fall after losing some seniors, and start preparing for international performances and next year’s British Championships.
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