Cedar Valley High School in Eagle Mountain, UT hosts the state ballroom competition where teams from across Utah compete for titles in various dance divisions, showcasing the largest public school ballroom program in the state. The event, featuring individual and team competitions, highlights the athleticism, teamwork, and talent of Utah’s young dancers, drawing inspiration from renowned dancers who began their careers in the state.
Ballroom formation teams from high schools across the state of Utah travel to Eagle Mountain
Utah is the only state that hosts competitive ballroom programs in their public schools and charter schools. Twice a year, these programs compete for state titles across various divisions including Ballroom, Latin and Swing formation dancing.
Cedar Valley High School, host of this weekend’s competition, will be defending the four state championships they won last year at the event. CVHS currently hosts 3 high school teams and two junior high teams, making it the largest public school ballroom program in the state (and the U.S.). In 2023, the school won 6 out of the 9 offered state championship events. Tomorrow, they could make that 8 out of the 9 offered state championship events, competing against 10 or more teams in some of these events.
“Ballroom dancing is such a rewarding activity for students to be involved in,” says Emily Roberts, Ballroom Program Director and Coach at Cedar Valley High School. “It allows students to learn things like athleticism, teamwork, respect, leadership, and build friendships that will last their lifetime.”
Shows like So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars have not only brought awareness to the sport but also highlighted how our talented Utah dancers. Names like Derek and Julianne Hough, Lacey Schwimmer, Allison Holker, Lindsay (Arnold) Cusick, Whitney (Carson) McAllister, Chelsie Hightower, Jenna (Johnson) Chmerkovskiy, Brandon Armstrong, Alexis (Warr) Burton, and so many others started their ballroom careers in Utah.
“Students thrive when they find a tribe. If your student needs a creative, athletic outlet in a team environment, ballroom dancing is the perfect atmosphere – for boys and girls!” says Coach Roberts. “Utah also hosts the National Amateur Championships at BYU where dancers from California to New York fly in to compete.”
Where: Cedar Valley High School Gym (The Hangar)
When: Saturday, February 24th (Individual competitions start at 7:45 a.m. with team formation events starting at 4:45 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.)
List of participating schools with ballroom teams:
American Leadership Academy
Bingham High School
Cedar Valley High School
Copper Hills High School
Dixon Middle School
Excelsior Academy
Freedom Prep Academy
Lehi High School
Legacy Prep Academy
Mountain View High School
Orem High School
Pleasant Grove High School
Pleasant Grove Junior High School
Provo High School
Salem Hills High School
Stansbury High School
Timpview High School
Westlake High School
CVHS Ballroom Program Website: https://tinyurl.com/cvhsballroom
CVHS Ballroom Instagram Account: @cedarvalleyballroom
Cedar Valley High School – Ballroom Dance Company
Charlie Roberts (Assistant Director and Coach)
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