BOUNTIFUL — Bountiful welcomed six participating multinational music and dance troupes to Utah Wednesday night, kicking-off the Bountiful Summerfest International, which runs through today.

Dancers in brightly colored costumes stepped onto the Bountiful Davis Art Center's parking lot as each troupe took a turns giving the audience a sampling of their upcoming performances. The troupes are from Armenia, Czech Republic, Croatia, Peru, Philippines and Poland.

Both the crowd and performers seemed to grow in number as the evening went on. Feet kept time and children broke free from restraint to dance at the edges of the crowd as the troupes played their waltzes, marches and polkas.

After the performers finished their numbers, they turned to the watching crowd looking for a new dance partner.

"Do you want to dance?" asked a young woman from the Polish dance group. A shy boy, about 6 years old, took her outstretched hand and joined her in the center with all the other excited volunteers.

The new students tried to master the step-step-dip footwork as the whole group started to dance. Some faces showed concentration while others just beamed.

"I'm part of an event you don't have to be drunk as a skunk to enjoy," said co-founder Lloyd Miller. "This is a beautiful little family thing."

Wonderful is how many people associated with Summerfest describe the experience.

Annette Ward from Farmington has three young women from the Armenian dance troupe staying with her.

"It's been a delight to exchange cultures in a week without speaking the same language," said Ward. "The challenge of communication has mostly been fun."

Fifteen-year-old Simon Lapaj from the Croatia dancing troupe has made a few quick observations since he's been here.

"In America we laugh a lot," said Lapaj. "We like shopping, spending time with our friends and meeting new people."

Summerfest events continue through today at Bountiful City Park at the corner of 400 North and 200 West.

In addition to the visiting groups, local favorites will perform, including Salzburg Echo, Salt City Saints, Wildflower, Dave Sharp and Darena Balkan Singers. Today, activities start at 10:30 a.m. and go until 10 p.m., ending with the Parade of Nations and World Music Jam.

This year the event is free so bigger crowds are expected. People are asked to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs to the event. Arts and crafts as well as international food will be available for purchase at the park.

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