By ABBY BRAVO
Editor-in-Chief
The second event of the three-part series of “Celebrating Black Joy” went from art and music to movement and dance. This time, students were welcomed into Massry Gallery to learn about different types of dance with Saint Rose’s Latin dance team Sabor Latino.
Students were greeted with a friendly, low pressure double-dutch competition to start the event. Afterwards, Sabor began their presentation of different Latin dances such as the Salsa. They gave background information on each of the dances as well as the songs.
They taught two songs starting with “La Vida es Un Carnaval” by Celia Cruz. She was a very influential artist from Cuba, where Salsa dancing originated. Cruz is considered one of the most popular Latin musicians of the twentieth century. After leaving Cuba during the Cuban revolution, she had a flourishing career throughout the United States and Mexico and became known for her Afro-Cuban music style.
The second song was “Kulikitaka” by Toño Rosario, paired with the Merengue. The Merengue originated in the Dominican Republic and gained popularity in the 1930s. Rosario, also from the DR, specialized in the Merengue sound, and “Kulikitaka” is his most well-known song.
After the team gave an example of the dance moves required for these classic dances, they invited the attendees to join them in the dance.
“I loved the joyful celebration that Sabor brought to the mid-month event,” wrote Joan Horgan, the director of spiritual life, and one of the event organizers.
Both students and college faculty were at the event including Jen Richardson, associate vice president for student development for the college. “I really enjoyed learning the dances and the individuals who created them. I also appreciated hearing more from the students about why the dances are important to them,” wrote Richardson in an email. “All of our students have so much to share and sometimes they don’t even realize it.”
The members of Sabor guided the attendees through the dances and were able to make them feel more comfortable as they progressed. “It was an interesting experience teaching,” said Sophia Wodatch, a Sabor Latino member as well as the club’s Public Relations person. “We’ve never [taught] before, but I enjoyed watching people do something new to them but something I do regularly,” she added.
Sabor members were able to teach and educate people about Latin dance as well as how it is incorporated into their lives. “I think the more opportunities we have to learn about our students it helps to bring us closer together. I think every time we can talk, listen and experience with one another, we continue to build a stronger community,” wrote Richardson.
Holding these events in the Massry Gallery was a breath of fresh air for many students and faculty. “One thing that hurts my heart is to see a gallery with shades drawn or a building with not so much student life pulsing through it,” said Horgan. “We enjoyed getting to spend time in Massry and see some of what students are up to over there and also to open the gallery space to student life.”
Unfortunately, the conclusion of the three-part series of “Celebrating Black Joy” event “Unlock Your Words” has to be postponed due to the weather on Feb. 28. This section intended to focus on the spoken word and give students an opportunity to share their own works as well as have work displayed during the event. More information on a new date for the event as well as a possible new location will be announced as information becomes available.
