Nearly 12 hours of weekly rehearsals, four hours of required technique classes, possibilities of extra evening and personal practices are the high demands set for those in BYU-Idaho’s Contemporary Dance Theater as they prepare for Extravadance on Nov. 17, 18 and 19.

But, it is this preparation that has offered life-changing experiences for Katie Winder, a freshman from South Jordan, Utah.

As a young girl, Winder began her dancing career in a basement studio called Rocky Mountain Dance in Utah. This led her to Bingham High School’s dance team, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company and choreographing for high school musicals. All she wanted to do was dance, especially in college.

“I was not planning on coming to BYU-Idaho,” Winder said. “I wanted to go to the ‘Y’ or the ‘U’.”

Though she was accepted to Brigham Young University’s ballet program, she began to consider a different path.

“I wanted to major in dance, but I wanted a more balanced life,” Winder said.

For her, that meant attending BYU-I, majoring in history with only a minor in dance. It was a huge risk because she did not know if she would be dancing here. That soon changed when she auditioned for CDT.

“Dancing in CDT made me want to dance more,” Winder said. “I love it — I love to dance. I can express how I feel. I guess that’s why I’m a dancer.”

Dancing at BYU-I has turned out to be an amazing experience for Winder. She is glad she chose to come here, not just because of her dancing opportunities, but also because of the mission of the dance program.

“Other colleges are more liberal and dances tend to express anger and other feelings of the world,” Winder said. “But, here at BYU-I, it’s about creating beauty by the Spirit.”

Her experiences as a member of CDT have provided a wealth of spiritual experiences. Prayers before rehearsals, uplifting choreography and encouraging teachers and company members have all contributed.

One spiritual lesson Winder has learned is that each member of CDT is important in creating a whole unit.

“In CDT, we are all different parts of the body all working together with the same goal,” Winder said.

Though Winder does not feel fully prepared for Extravadance, she knows that everything will pull together in the end. Two of her favorite selections that will be performed at Extravadance are Armageddon, for its strength, and Ave Maria for its beauty.

“I love to dance and am excited for Extravadance,” Winder said. “I am looking forward to seeing all the dance styles rolled into one.”

Also performing at Extravadance will be Folk Dance USA and the BYU-I Ballroom Dance Company.