SCOTT GULLEDGE / Scroll

CDT prepares to share gospel through dance in South America

Neva Ward WAR05009@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

One man will tour with many girls in the Contemporary Dance Theatre Company to Peru and Ecuador to serve and share the gospel through dance.

Bradley Rhoton, a senior from Lock Haven, Pa., started dancing in high school.

Since then he has had an appetite to dance, he said. However, he wishes there were more male dancers in the company.

“Most companies have six guys and eight girls,” Rhoton said. “It gives so much more variety. You can do more lifts. You know, manly stuff.”

The “manly” lifting and stuff is a great responsibility. Minor accidents have occurred due to miscommunication, Rhoton said. “It’s always my fault,” Rhoton said, and explained that it is his responsibility to always maintain safety.

Rhoton isn’t the only unique part of the company. The dance routines are quite different and are enhanced by the choice of costumes and music. Diedre Murdoch, a sophomore from Kennewick, Wash., said modern dance is unique because it focuses on efficient movement using the core of the abs and breathing.

“Moving for the love of movement is basically what modern [dance] is,” Murdoch said.

CDT presented their modern performances in concert March 9-11.

Amy Rondeau, a senior from Moreno Valley, Calif., sang a French aria, “Il pleure dans mon Coeur,” to accompany one of the dance routines. Another routine had costumes that were inspired by the Asian kimono.

The theme of the dance wasn’t the only thing that inspired what the costumes would look like.

The costumes are all modest to not detract from the Spirit, Murdoch said.

Murdoch added it is that Spirit that CDT will take on tour with them to Peru and Ecuador when they leave May 1. They will perform in stake centers and other venues.