Latin culture night brings culture of dance and flavors together
David Janczewski loves taking an active part in his Hispanic culture, just as much as he loves sharing it with others.
The Ohio senior and about 275 other students, faculty and community members lined up to get a taste of Latin Culture Night Wednesday in Bovee University Center’s Rotunda.
Minority Student Services hosted the event to provide participants with a Latin-style buffet and Salsa dancing lessons.
“My Hispanic culture is something I love taking part in,” Janczewski said. “This event was a great way to meet people and share new things with them.”
Keisha Janney, assistant director of Minority Student Services, helped organize the event.
“The purpose is for students to experience a different culture than what they grew up knowing whether it’s a type of food or dancing,” Janney said. “It’s a chance to try something new.”
The buffet offered an array of food with appetizers such as tortilla chips and salsa, guacamole and Cuban-style black beans over rice as well as several entrees.
Higgins Lake senior Elayna McCall said the Latin-style chopped salad was her favorite.
“It’s a fresh blend of guacamole, corn, and tomatoes which I really enjoy,” McCall said. “One of the desserts I liked as well was the apple cinnamon crispitos. They’re so sweet especially with a side of jelly.”
After dinner came the salsa.
Lizandro Tremolada, Merrill Hall residence hall director, has instructed Salsa dance at Latin Culture Night for two years. He likes the excitement and exposure the music and dance bring to students.
“I have been teaching Salsa dance for about eight years,” Tremolava said. “My favorite part of teaching is meeting new people and the chance it brings for them to experience different atmopsheres.”
Janney said Tremolava’s enthusiasm for the event is always a boom for the operation.
Tremolava taught participants basic salsa steps as well as turns, spin, and practicing with partners to incorporate leads — all while dancing to a rhythm of fast Latin music.
Shant’l Raines, a graduate assistant at Minority Student Services, was happy to see the turnout this year.
“Events such as these help to broaden students horizons,” Raines said. “It’s one of the many other advantages of college, another door to open.”
