Toddling teddy bears, graceful waltzers, heel-clicking square dancers and high-stepping Latin American performers highlighted a regional dance festival here May 14, opening a series of festivities marking the Church's 150th anniversary in New Jersey.

More than 800 members from the state's Caldwell, East Brunswick and Morristown stakes glided across the floor before an audience estimated at 3,000 people in the William Paterson College Sports Ceinter in northeast New Jersey.Twenty groups, ranging in size from two to 200, performed dances centered around the theme "Step in Time." Several choreographers, headed by Sylvia Lyon of the Ledgewood Ward, Morristown New Jersey Stake, designed dances for participants ranging in age from 6 to those who "remain young at heart," said festival chairman Christine Johnson of the Short Hills Ward, Caldwell New Jersey Stake.

The youngest dancing group went on a "picnic" dressed as teddy bears, while those just a little older filled the floor with flashing rainbow colors during their number.

A large group of Young Women sparkled as they danced to a modern tune. Young single adults brought parents' and grandparents' interests into the act as they performed to music of the '20s, '40s and '50s.

Latin American rhythms filled the air as several couples performed a lively Colombian folk dance. And the waltz and square dancing were displayed by still other groups.

In another entertaining selection, groups from the East Brunswick, Jersey City and Ledgewood wards took a whimsical tour down Disneyland's Main Street.

Many of the festival's participants traveled for upwards of an hour to attend rehearsals, but Sister Johnson said they seemed to feel the sacrifices were well worth it.

"Participating in this festival filled a void for the younger members who may be among just one or two Mormons attending their school," she said. "Their participation with this large group of Church members gives them the feeling of belonging and companionship with those sharing their ideals."

Many other activities are being scheduled by stakes, wards and branches to call attention to the fact that the Church has been in New Jersey for 150 years. The first branches were organized in 1838 by Elders Benjamin Winchester and Abraham Burtis in New Egypt and Toms River, located near the ocean in central New Jersey.

Reminiscent of a scene from 150 years ago, a new branch was organized May 1 under the direction of Morristown stake Pres. H. Steven Wood. The branch is for Spanish-speaking members and is located in Scotch Plains, 15 miles west of Newark.

New Jersey has four thriving stakes, and the Church is growing as never before, reported Mission Pres. Dan J. Workman of the New Jersey Morristown Mission, who said that a record number of people for this mission were baptized in April 1988.

Church units from throughout the state are also making plans to participate in community celebrations, fairs and parades to spread the word about the 150th anniversary.