BYU Ballroom Dancers Ignite Audience in Cambodia and Viet Nam
ក្រុមរបាំ BYU Ballroom ធ្វើឲ្យ​ទស្សនិកជន​រំភើបរីករាយ​នៅក្នុង​
ប្រទេស​កម្ពុជា និងប្រទេសរៀតណាម

ដើម្បីអានជាភាសាខ្មែរ សូមចុច នៅទីនេះ

On the evening of May 7, 2025, the Koh Pich Theater in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, was filled with over 2,000 excited audience members of all ages, captivated by the performances of the Brigham Young University (BYU) Ballroom Dance Company. The special occasion was graced by Her Royal Highness Preah Reach Botrey Samdech Norodom Arunrasmy.

Many leading members of the Royal Family, high ranking officials, leading members of the business community also attended, including His Excellency Chay Borin, Minister of Cult and Religion, Her Excellency Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, and Her Excellency Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women Affairs.

The 90-minute show from BYU, titled “Rhythm,” electrified the theater with a vibrant showcase of standard ballroom and Latin dances, including the Waltz, Tango, Quickstep, Cha-Cha and Samba. This was not only the Company’s first performance in Cambodia but, for many in attendance, it was their first introduction to ballroom dancing.

“The dances were both elegant and full of energy,” remarked Elder Bunhuoch Eng, the Area Seventy for Cambodia of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which sponsors BYU. “We are grateful for these student dancers who traveled all this way to share their talents with the people of Cambodia and we sincerely hope they will return!”

Cohosted by BYU and the Church, the event also included participation by the Princess Buppha Devi Dance School and the Cambodian Dancesport Federation, whose dancers shared their talents in the beginning of the show. These three groups had already met the day before at a dinner and workshop, where they connected through an exchange of ballroom dance and traditional Khmer dance.

“[The purpose of bringing them together] was to promote cultural exchanges and international standard artistic achievements while providing inspiration to our talented Cambodian artists,” said Vichit Ith, a business leader, church member, and one of the event organizers.

“This is the kind of experience we live for,” said Curt Holman, the artistic director of the Company. “It wasn’t just about trading steps; it was about sharing what drives us. The classical dancers taught us movements passed down through generations, and we shared pieces of our own style in return. No translator needed—just music, movement, and a real desire to connect.”

As the West met the East, their performances dazzled the audience.

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Founded in 1960, the BYU Ballroom Dance Company has performed for millions of people in more than 35 countries. It is an internationally renowned performing arts group that has won United States and British championships. These 32 student dancers go to school full-time and, by definition, are amateurs, but they have garnered a reputation for excellence and artistry, which has prompted Brian McDonald, president of the National Dance Council of America, to call them “one of the ballroom world’s greatest treasures.”

So it was no surprise that these student dancers were invited to perform before King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida and many others in Bangkok as part of this Southeast Asia tour, prior to visiting Cambodia.

Besides performing on large stages where royalty was present, the student dancers also conducted a workshop at the Zion International School of Phnom Penh and gave dance lessons to over 200 teenaged pupils. In Siem Reap, they ministered to more than 200 members and friends of the Church in a small chapel, again through their dances. Following Cambodia, they performed in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, where they entertained about 1,400 audience members in total. Many dignitaries and their families came to support.

These elite dancers usually didn’t get to see their performance venue until the day of the event, but they were flexible and could adjust their dances to any space or circumstances they were in. This kind of resilience and the ability to react quickly are the results of many years of practice behind the scenes. Whether they were performing at the largest theater in the country or to a small group in a workshop setting, they gave their all.

“I was so touched by their performance,” said Jonathan Thang from Ho Chi Minh City. “My wife cried the whole time, and she said she could feel the effort of the dancers.”

“I was tired and stressed out because of work and family matters and almost wanted to skip the activity, but I’m so glad that I came!” said Theary Roeun from Siem Reap. “Their excellent dance swept away all my worries. From the first dance to the last, I felt only happiness and peace!”

“Because of their performance, people start to know the Church better even though we didn't mention about the Church during the show,” Elder Eng added. “[The students’] presence brought excitement to our youth, young single adults and all attendees, while also spreading the light of peace, friendship, and love that everyone could feel.”

Hearing this kind of feedback from the audience brought so much joy to the students. Caroline Money, 20, a communication studies major, said, “I’m so glad that we could minister to people in this part of the world through our dance talents. It brings extra meaning and purpose to our performances, when we are not only here to entertain but also build bridges between diverse communities.”

In addition to their performances, the students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Southeast Asia. They marveled at the ancient beauty of Angkor Wat and were captivated by the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay. Their experiences also included holding the heroic landmine-detecting rats at Apopo in Siem Reap, seeing the poignant history of Khmer Rouge at the Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh, and exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City. These experiences broadened their perspectives of the world and deepened their understanding of the diverse backgrounds of their audiences.

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“Being able to see some of these historical sites with my own eyes is a fascinating experience,” said Michael Morgan, 24, an economics and political science major with a passion for history. “The lessons from my textbooks are coming to life, and I’m embracing every minute of it.”

“I love how this trip is showing me so much about different people and cultures,” said Katelyn Lawson, 22, a cyber security major, who has never been out of the United States before this tour. “It is interesting to see how the history of the country has heavily impacted the culture of the people, whether it was displacement or war. It was special to bring joy to an audience, especially the older generation, who has endured so much hardship and pain.”

Director Holman noted that this experience will change the lives of the students forever and he hopes their love for dancing has touched hearts and lives along the way.

As the BYU Ballroom Dancers conclude their tour in Phitsanulok, Thailand, they will continue to inspire and be inspired.