On June 5th, 2023, the Brigham Young University Ballroom Dance Company (BDC) performed at the historic Royal Flemish Theatre in Brussels, Belgium. The event drew a large crowd including ambassadors and other dignitaries from EU institutions and civil society, who were treated to a stunning display of dance and artistry.
Elder Rubén V. Alliaud, General Authority Seventy and member of the Europe Central Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife Fabiana, joined a distinguished group of ambassadors, European Union, church and civil society representatives, their friends and families.
- BYUBallroomBrussels01
- BYUBallroomBrussels02
- BYUBallroomDance03
- BYUBallroomBrussels04
- BYUBallroomDance05
- BYUBallroomDance05
- BYUBallroomBrussels06
- BYUBallroomBrussels07
- BYUBallroomBrussels08
- BYUBallroomBrussels10
- BYUBallroomBrussels11
- BYUBallroomBrussels12
- BYUBallroomBrussels13
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
During the reception, Elder Alliaud welcomed guests by comparing their work with the Church’s mission to bless God’s children: "I am impressed by work of ambassadors and many of you here tonight, and how you call your assignments "missions." As The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we love missions! We currently have 67,000 missionaries all around the world who, like you, are trying to make the world a better place."
The audience was amazed by the company's technical skills, artistry, and choreographic expertise, as they seamlessly moved across the stage in colorful costumes.
The BDC, consisting of 32 full-time BYU students, showcased their latest production, "Ballroom Dance Company in Concert," which combined traditional ballroom dance with a contemporary and theatrical flair. The BDC's artistic director, Professor Curt Holman, led the performance, showcasing his distinctive style and intuition, resulting in a fast-paced show that was both entertaining and visually engaging. The show was made even more impressive by the contribution of guest choreographers, including World Champion Latin Dancers, Andre and Natalie Paramonov, and World Class Ballroom Dancers Marat Gimaev and Alina Baysuk.
The event was a success, ending in a standing ovation. Country representatives and ambassadors expressed their deep admiration for the Ballroom Dance Company and commended the team for their exceptional performance. Many expressed that they cannot wait for another performance next year, with some suggesting the team should visit their own countries for future performances.
BYU's Ballroom Dance Program is the largest of its kind in the world, with over 60 different courses taught each semester, and nearly 4000 students taking some type of ballroom dance class each year. The BDC has performed for millions of people in over 35 countries, including extensive travel throughout Asia and Europe. They have also won numerous awards, including the 2023 British Latin Formation Championships and the 2023 British Ballroom Formation Championship one week prior to this event.
The Church’s EU & International Affairs office hosted this event as part of its public and diplomatic outreach initiatives. The office works with and fosters dialogue among EU stakeholders, embassies, and civil society to engage in freedom of religion or belief, humanitarian assistance, volunteerism and youth.