By Rachel Lewis
Neon costumes, spandex, and dancing cowboys took the stage on Tuesday, Sept. 17, in the 10th annual dance devotional.
Around 75 dancers from the Ballroom Dance Company, the Cougarettes, Dancers'' Company, the International Folk Dance Ensemble and Theatre Ballet performed in front of their home crowd.
'We wanted to expose students to different types of dance to give students a preview of the opportunities they have to see at BYU,' said Ed Austin, coordinator of the dance devotional.
The Dance Department''s showcase also gave students a glimpse of the representation different dance teams from BYU present through out the world.
'They are assisting members to bring the Church out of obscurity in distant lands and throughout North America,' said President Merrill J. Bateman of the largest dance department in the nation.
President Bateman also noted that many BYU dancers were involved in the Olympic opening ceremonies that recently won six Emmys to be presented in September, and that they have performed in 30 to 40 countries around the world.
'When these groups travel the world they represent BYU and the Church. We hope to come in to the devotional and as a group change the Marriott Center into a sacred place,' Austin said.
'We want to dance with the spirit to have students celebrate the medium of dance with us. This is a time to celebrate a new year with music and dance.'
At the beginning of the devotional Robert Foster, BYUSA president, thanked students who dressed up and brought their scriptures.
Foster also encouraged students to make a goal to meet a new person each day.
'I feel this is vital to the success of every person here. There are many who need you to step up and be a friend to them,' said Foster.
He admonished students to get involved and make a difference.
'I encourage all of you to get as involved in everything you possibly can,' said Foster.
The devotional will be rebroadcast Sunday, Sept. 22, at 6 and 11 a.m. on KBYU-TV and on BYU-television at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.