News Media student Kayci Treu is not only an accomplished journalist, but also a national ballroom champion. Treu will speak at the April School of Communications Convocation this month. Following graduation, Treu and her husband Casey Treu will compete professionally as ballroom partners.
Originally from Waldorf, Maryland, Treu has traveled the world in her time at BYU. As a member of the BYU Ballroom Team, Treu has performed in China, Nauvoo and the United Kingdom. This summer Treu will travel with the team to Argentina and Chile.
Treu won the National Championship in Amateur Cabaret twice, represented the United States in Ten Dance at the World Ballroom Championships and competed in Blackpool, England on the BYU Latin formation team where she again brought home a championship.
Kayci Treu will be utilizing the skills she learned with her communications degree throughout her dancing career as she manages a website, blog and social media for TreuDancing, the umbrella title for her and her husband’s dance partnership and teaching business.
Treu was initially attracted to communications because of the versatility it offered and for the opportunity to hear and tell stories of people living unique lives. Treu focused her reporting efforts on stories that made a difference.
While at BYU, Treu completed an honors thesis in coordination with her capstone project. This project, entitled “The Ballroom Bonus,” is a short documentary and website teaching people about the benefits of public school ballroom programs. This project aims to increase awareness of school ballroom programs and increase the donor base.
“I really sought after stories that could help people, give people a voice and connect them to resources,” Treu said.
Treu and her husband plan to continue finding ways to give back, both during and after their dance career.
Treu is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a News Media emphasis along with minors in ballroom, editing and digital humanities.
Click here to the view the graduation live stream.