Brigham Young University’s Ballroom Dance Company is one of the most distinctive and unique university dance companies in the world. Based in Provo, Utah, this company consists of 32 dancers, all of whom are full-time students at BYU. Their current show, Rhythm, delights spectators with compelling and creative choreography that seamlessly segues from romantic waltzes to rhythmical sambas and other unexpected surprises. Colorful costumes and innovative, theatrical design give traditional ballroom dances a refreshing and relevant flare that engages the audiences of today. A hallmark of their show includes the performance of their award-winning and internationally-acclaimed Ballroom and Latin competition medleys. The team will present its showcase Come Alive across the US and multiple European countries on their tour.

In 1972, the BYU Ballroom Dance Company burst onto the world’s stage competing at the famed British Championships in Blackpool, England. Crowned as the British Champions, they became the first American formation team to ever win this coveted title. Since then, competitive ballroom dance has become an integral part of the BYU program. The Ballroom Dance Company regularly returns to England to compete for the prestigious British crown and annually defends their U.S. championship title in the States. This focus on competition dance drives and inspires the students to reach for higher levels of artistry and technical prowess. Most recently, the BYU Ballroom Dance Company won the 2017 United States and 2019 British Latin Formation Championships with their stunning piece, Carmen.

Since its inception in 1970, BYU’s Ballroom Dance Company has performed for millions of people in over 35 countries. Highlights include extensive travel throughout China, Europe, and Russia and a command performance for the Royal Princess of Thailand. Recently, they have toured to Colorado, Wyoming, Belgium, France, and Germany and will visit Utah, Idaho, Nevada, California, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Professor Curt Holman directs and produces the Ballroom Dance Company’s showcase, Come Alive. As a professional dancer, he and his wife, Sharon, were twice honored with an invitation to dance as soloists at the prestigious British Championships in Blackpool, England and the World Cabaret Championships in Holland. A seasoned artist, his choreographic expertise is now sought by top-level professional and amateur ballroom dance couples who regularly present his choreography at prestigious ballroom dance competitions throughout the world. His distinctive style, artistic vision, and intuitive approach result in a fast-paced show that is both entertaining and artistically engaging. Holman holds a Master’s degree in dance, is a dual licentiate with the ISTD, and is the Chair of the Department of Dance at BYU.

In addition to his own choreography, Holman regularly collaborates with top ballroom dance experts in creating new works for the company. Guest choreographers include World Latin Champions Eugene Katsevman and Maria Manusova, Andre and Natalie Paramonov, and World Class Ballroom Dancers Marat Gimaev and Alina Baysuk, to name a few. These collaborations result in choreography that is forward-thinking, relevant and fresh.

The ballroom dance program at BYU is the largest of its kind in the world. With over 60 different courses taught each semester, nearly 4000 students take some type of ballroom dance class each year. It is also the home to the largest Amateur Dancesport competition in the United States. The president of the National Dance Council of America, Brian McDonald, calls BYU’s Ballroom Dance Company “one of the Ballroom world’s greatest treasures”.