By KAYLA ROYSTER
Staff Writer
Last Saturday Sabor Latino, a new dance group on campus, hosted their first event. Held in honor of Dominican Independence Day this group exemplified their motto of unidad, alianza, y educación (unity, alliance, and education) through various performances.
Acceptance of different cultures was prevalent in the speeches given that emphasized union. Along with Sabor Latino there were performances by Lambda Sigma Upsilon, Swing Phi Swing, and the ALANA Steppers. There was also a musical performance by Micheal Lopez as well as spoken poetry by Breanne Colon.
To cofounders Elenie Martinez and Michael Lopez, Sabor Latino is not just a dance club, it’s a way to bring together people of different cultures; something they hope that continues even after they graduate.
“We all have a different intensity while dancing. You will see everyone’s personality on stage” said Lopez. The twenty members of Sabor Latino performed three songs in the categories of bachata, salsa, and merengue. The event consisted of cultural food, costumes as well as decorations that promoted the upcoming Dominican Independence Day. Everything about this event was done by the team members themselves. The club cooked the food as well as created the costumes.
“Everything is fundraised and everyone does their own part in different ways” said Martinez.
“That’s what we want, a Saint Rose community” added Lopez. A community is exactly what they had at the event with around 100 students in attendance.
Saint Rose student Veena Souffrant and UALbany student Katrina Velasquez said that they expected wonderful performances, a playful party atmosphere, and exceptional food. Knowing what their audience expected was a difficult feat seeing as this was Sabor Latino’s first performance, but they seemed to capture the audience’s expectations perfectly.
“The food was tasty and well made” said Souffrant.
“They were lit. Very entertaining, made me want to join a Spanish dance team” said Velasquez.
Students were not the only ones excited about the event, but the performers as well.
`“I definitely feel prepared”said dancer Natalie Reyes. “This is the first time we perform as a group. It’s exciting but it’s nerve wracking because we are the first Spanish group, so we need to do a good and set a good standard.”
At this event people were not just entertained, but educated as well. “I learned about Dominican Independence Day and the culture,” said Saint Rose student Denika Dixon.
“We wanted to create a dance group that goes places, that travels to other schools and such” stated Martinez. “We are working on becoming incorporated and hope to implicate a Sabor Latino chapter.” The group is still looking to expand and will be holding two audition days upon return of Spring Break. Walk-ins are welcome and no experience is needed, just be ready to dance and ready to learn.
“Joining this club helped me learn some new steps, and moves I didn’t know before. Along with dancing to choreography,” said another dancer Yakaria Cabral.
“Were going to keep doing what we have to do no matter what” said Martinez.
Though this was the clubs first event they have a bright and busy future set out for themselves with performances at Saint Baldricks Day, Accepted Students Day, as well as a at Knights in Motion and GK dance performances.
“As long as we are welcomed by the community, that is all that we need” said Lopez.
