"We are not bound by tradition, nor are we limited to our own understanding or to the wisdom of men. In short, this is a very unusual university."
- President Kim B. Clark
BYU-Idaho community encouraged to take part in Idaho International Dance and Music Festival
www.rexcc.com/festival/index.html
Brigham Young University-Idaho students and employees are invited to attend this year's Idaho International Dance and Music Festival in Rexburg. Opening ceremonies for the event will take place Saturday, July 29 at 8:00 p.m. on Ferguson Field at Madison High School. It is a free event to welcome the dancers to the community.
Eight countries will be featured at the festival, including South Korea, Georgia, Mexico, Panama, Canada, Tahiti, and Romania. The United States will be represented by Idaho teams from Driggs and Burley.
"Seeing the different countries working together gives you hope that there is a chance for peace in this world," said Brandon Squires, a committee member for the festival.
The festival will conclude with two different Gala Performances on Friday, August 4 and Saturday, August 5 in the Hart Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. The same show will not be performed twice. Instead, four unique dances will be performed by each team, two the first night and two the next night.
The Idaho International Dance and Music Festival benefits Rexburg by "bringing tourism to the town and filling the hotels and restaurants. We definitely encourage the BYU-Idaho community to attend," Squires said.
The festival is only one of four events in the United States that have dancers travel from their home countries to perform, Squires said.
Preparing for the festival includes finding host families willing to house dancers during the weeklong event. As a child, Squires remembers his family hosting dancers from Denmark, Yugoslavia, and Austria.
"Hosting dancers in your home teaches you about different cultures, helping you to understand the world we live in," Squires said. "When it was time for them to leave, it was always hard to let them go."
Tickets for the Gala Performances can be purchased through the Manwaring Center Ticket Office by calling 496-2230 or online at www.byui.edu/tickets.
News Media Contact
Marc StevensBYU-Idaho Public Relations
(208) 496-1537
stevensm@byui.edu
Campus Information
(208) 496-2411
Brigham Young University-Idaho is a four-year private university located in Rexburg, Idaho. The university, which is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offers both baccalaureate and associate degrees; integrated degrees and internships that are tailored to fit students' interests; a year-round track system allowing more students to attend; and an extensive activities program that provides leadership and growth experiences. It is the largest private university in Idaho, with over 11,000 students enrolled for winter 2006.
Style Note: When reporting about Brigham Young University-Idaho, please use the complete name of the university in the first reference.