We all certainly dance a different rhythm throughout life, but on Oct. 18, students at Texas A&M Kingsville gathered in Ballroom A of the SUB to celebrate Hispanic heritage through a Latin beat. Latin Nights was sponsored by the Hispanic Heritage Committee, to highlight one of the most iconic characteristics of the Hispanic culture, dance. This event invited students to come out and dance with friends, while being able to enjoy from a delicious salsa bar.
Dance is a key characteristic of Latin culture. The distinct beat of bongos and a double bass enables the unity between Mexican and Colombian creating a sense of brotherhood throughout all 19 Latin American countries. Latin music is fast-paced and infested with color and flavor. Hispanics are passionate about music and dance, and this idea was personified in the dance floor of Ballroom A.
“We dance because dancing makes us feel alive, it stimulates the brain and keep us young. I have danced for over 30 years, and I have met several people that have been impacted by the art of dancing. People have come into my studio with doctor prescriptions, and dance has been able to alleviate some of their medical issues. I believe dance has the power to restore our health. Dance is not only important for our culture, it’s important for our physical and mental health” said Mary Lee Rodriguez, ballroom instructor.
As laughs and uncoordinated feet overwhelmed the dancefloor, students were gaining knowledge on how to dance Latin music under the instruction of Rodriguez and Armando Perez
“We may not all know how to dance, but as Hispanics we have grown up in a culture that revolves around music. Tonight has been a lot of fun, I truly had a great time learning how to dance salsa, merengue, and bachata with some of my friends” said Clarissa Gonzalez, a chemical engineering major.
Latin Nights allowed students to become more interactive with one another and challenged them to learn something new about their culture.
“Latin Nights is really cool, you get to meet different people and make new friends while learning how to dance popular music of our culture,” said Raul Almanza, an agriculture science major.
