¡Baila Salsa! During Community Block on February 19th, a large number of Prep students flocked to the library-turned-dance studio where Latino Club invited instructor Desi to teach a thrilling lesson on dancing Salsa. Following a tremendous turn out last year, this year’s annual Baila Salsa event allowed students to relive the fun and learn a new skill! For the entirety of Community Block, many students forgot about the cold, rainy weather, and instead focused on the excitement involving the event. 

Latino Club’s Baila Salsa was loaded with more than just a dancing lesson. An enormous line stretched across the library for the sugary and mouthwatering churros, as well as cheesy quesadillas which many students enjoyed. Of course, let’s not forget the authentic aguas frescas such as Horchata, Jamaica, and more, paired perfectly to wash down the food. After students spent some time enjoying the food, the dancing began.

The instructor had lots of experience teaching Salsa, even giving dancing lessons on multiple cruises. Bringing a Salsa class to our campus for students to learn offered a fun challenge, as many of the combinations were tough. Movements such as Stop and Go, Titanic, Copa, a Dip, and many more were taught during the lesson. When asking students about the Salsa combination, Sienna Haaga ‘28 said, “The instructor brought a very nice vibe and energy to the library. The combos were hard and challenging, but he encouraged all dance levels, and you didn’t feel like you were doing bad. You felt like you were with everyone else at all times, and you felt uplifted and encouraged.” As the combinations got harder and harder, the pacing would increase in challenging students to dance authentic salsa combinations. Dancing to different Salsa songs such as Camila Cabello’s “Bam Bam” and Bad Bunny’s “BAILE INVoLVIDABLE,” students were able to feel the rhythm and flow of salsa dance.

Latino Club was able to bring this event to life with lots of planning and great leadership. Camilla Carranza ‘27, Co-President of Latino Club, shares, “The success of the event relied on lots of planning and meetings with Mr. R and my fellow execs. We were lucky to have found Desi, our instructor, through a family friend.” With the making of Baila Salsa, Latino club was able to embody more than just a dancing lesson, but also embraced the culture of Latin America within the Prep community. Carranza continues to say, “We love sharing our culture with the broader Prep community so we hope you all enjoyed it!” Baila Salsa allowed Prep students to learn something new and get out of their comfort zone while experiencing Latin American culture. This vibrant celebration of salsa brought everyone together through the rhythm of an inspiring instructor, and delicious flavors of authentic Hispanic cuisine.