Over 1000 LDS Youth Brave Hot Weather and Storm Threats To Perform In Multicultural Dance Celebration

The atmosphere for the 12,000 attendees who filled the new Patriot High School Stadium in Nokesville, VA was one of anticipation and trepidation last Saturday evening as over 1300 Latter Day Saint (LDS) teens from all areas of Northern Virginia prepared for their final performance of Arise! Stand! Shine! -  the crowning event of three days of conferences and workshops for the youth –all designed to strengthen faith, develop positive peer relationships, and encourage them to let the  “lights” of their lives shine in the world.

The threat was real of storms rolling in to stem the 100-degree heat, drench the proceedings and cancel the performance.  But it was not to be! The show went on without a hitch, save a little mist from the clouds overhead. And the very large crowd of families, friends, and local church and civic leaders showed their approval with spontaneous, as well as, sustained applause throughout the performance. 

This multicultural dance celebration performance culminated a series of three 90 minute performances held on Friday and Saturday evenings to “sell out” audiences. The teens were very enthusiastic throughout the event in spite of the heat and threat of rain. Their enthusiasm was evident in the gigantic procession, by all 1300 youth, of nations from five continents, to the individuals and teams of dancers featured in colorful costumes for cultural renditions of Chinese, African, Ukrainian, Mexican and American dances.

“Each night as the teens arrived back home they were all smiles and very enthusiastic despite having been in the heat one day and rain the next.  One parent told me their child was tired but happy. They really enjoyed the opportunity of doing something hard that was also fun,” said President Doug Bush of the Annandale Stake (congregation) of the LDS church.

“They seemed to relish performing and sending a message of love, hope and unity among cultures,” said Bruce Moore a chaperone and father of Griffin, one of the youth participating.

The dancers also served up a stirring tribute to all who had served in the Armed Forces with songs, such as ”Anchors Away”, familiar to each military branch of service. The highlight for performers from High Schools covering the Northern Virginia area was performing the different dance styles such as ballet, waltz, Latino and rock.  “We enjoyed learning new dances and performing in front of the large crowd’ said Natalie Bolton, a student at Lake Braddock. 

Deva Toma, was the regional dance festival director. He said that the whole experience of planning, rehearsing and performing  “ was an amazing journey with wonderful leaders and inspiring youth.”

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