The Brigham Young University Department of Dance presents "Cougarettes in Concert," Wednesday, March 10, through Saturday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the Dance Studio Theatre (166 Richards Building).
Tickets at $8 are available through the Fine Arts Ticket Office, (801) 378-4322 or at www.byu.edu/hfac.
The Cougarettes, BYU’s award-winning precision dance team, will showcase a variety of dance styles and techniques including hip-hop, Latin and lyrical.
Cougarettes artistic director Jodi Maxfield said this concert provides audiences with an opportunity to see the Cougarettes in a strictly artistic concert, as opposed to their regular appearances at sporting events.
“The Cougarettes perform in support of BYU’s athletic teams, but the women are experienced and very accomplished dancers,” Maxfield said. “Although they are an important aspect of athletics, the program is housed within BYU’s Dance Department, and the dancers are a contributing factor to the excellence and expertise that is indicative of the mission of the department.”
The Cougarettes will perform a wide variety of pieces from their repertoire, including high-energy jazz, intense and technical Latin pieces, emotional lyrical styles and a humorous piece about all the aspects of shopping.
Recently named one of the top 25 collegiate dance teams in the nation by “Dance Spirit” magazine, the 16 Cougarettes are fluid in jazz, funk, lyrical, character, high kick and military styles.
“The Cougarettes are a group that draws a lot of attention,” Maxfield said. “The dancers selected are elite and highly trained. We’re really fortunate to have them here.”
The Cougarettes are credited with raising the level of competitive collegiate dance teams and were also Grand National Collegiate Dance Team Champions in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2001. The team placed second in 2003.
Maxfield also said she thinks the team significantly contributes to the university.
“The group was established in 1946 to give students an opportunity to participate in the BYU experience,” she said. “They’ve brought recognition to the university and allow people to know about BYU. We always look for missionary opportunities at competitions. The Cougarettes just want to share their talents and be the best they can.”
For more information about the Cougarettes in Concert, contact Jodi Maxfield at (801) 422-3271.
Writer: Rachel M. Sego
