By Erin Kingrey
The BYU Department of Dance sponsored the first Devotional of the 2000-2001 school year Tuesday, Sept. 5, at the Marriott Center.
President Bateman presided and introduced this years BYUSA President, Bill Brady.
Brady addressed the student body.
“We are here at BYU and have been blessed with a singular opportunity to learn and grow…I would encourage us to become connected,” Brady said.
He mentioned three specific ways for students to become connected. They include connecting to BYU, to ourselves, and to the Savior.
Through these connections, Brady said students would naturally connect to Heavenly Father one day, as “heirs to all that is his.”
Following Brady’s remarks, the Dance Department presented seven dance numbers by the Cougarettes, Ballroom Dance Company, Dancer’s Company, Theatre Ballet, and International Folk Dance Ensemble.
The dancing, with its variety of styles, paces, and costumes, lasted for a half-hour.
Andy Jones, 23, a junior from Twin Falls, majoring in international studies, danced with the Dancer’s Company in the Devotional.
Jones said that for him, dance is a form of communication and as students are open-minded and think about dances they view, “they’ll find whatever they need.”
Nancy Pratt, 23, a senior from Apple Valley, Minn., majoring in music, attended the devotional.
“I loved seeing the students bear testimony through dance,” said Pratt.
Pratt said watching the dances reminded her of the importance of having confidence in herself, and of sharing herself with others.
“I was totally caught up in it; it was a spiritual experience for me,” Pratt said.
Jones echoed Pratt’s sentiments. He said he dances with the intent to do something positive with his talents. He said it is a way for him to spiritually uplift and inspire others.
President Thomas S. Monson will address the BYU community at the Devotional next Tuesday at the Marriott Center at 11 a.m.
