Salsa spices up La Verne community
Campus Times
May 7, 2004
Danny Batalla and Erica Schatz, both students at the University of La Verne,
got down at the Church of the Brethren's Salsa Night on Sunday, April 25. The
Latin dance lessons, taught by Alfredo Figueroa, were open to anyone. Figureroa
performs with a Latin dance troupe. Julie Wheeler, the events organizer, praised
Figueroa as, “a great dipper.”
People of all ages gathered at the La Verne Church of the Brethren on Sunday,
April 25, to salsa and cha-cha the night away, part of a continuing effort to
bring the University of La Verne and the Church of the Brethren together as
a community.
The evening started with lessons from instructor, performer and choreographer
Alfredo Figueroa, director of Sal Soneros Dance Company.
“He’s a great dipper,” said Julie Wheeler, who is responsible
for coordinating the relationship between ULV and the Church of the Brethren.
Wheeler has previously taken dance lessons from Figueroa.
“I love to dance,” she said.
Wheeler received good reactions to the idea of having salsa night from a group
of people. “I’m always looking for activities to connect ULV and the
Church of the Brethren.”
Attendees learned the four basic dance steps and turns that can be used for
dancing salsa, cha-cha and merengue.
About 20 people enjoyed mingling with the crowd and learning new dance steps.
People came for several reasons. While some came to socialize with friends,
others wanted to meet new people.
Senior business and music major Mike Stallings came to support Wheeler who
supported the choir’s recent tour.
He also came to learn new moves.
“I love dancing, I love salsa, and had fun,” Stallings said.
Junior music major Melissa Stahly was glad she came, because she met new people
and learned how to salsa.
After learning the basic steps everyone paired into couples to put their moves
together to spice up the evening.
They formed a huge circle around the dance instructor and began to move to
the rhythm of salsa and cha-cha.
It started slow and basic, but everyone eventually picked up the pace and
rhythm by shaking their shoulders and moving their hips.
The dance lessons ended around 8:30 p.m. and was followed by an open dance
session with beverages, chips and salsa.
Wheeler was glad the event had a good turn out.
“I wanted people to get a sense of community and joy,” Wheeler said.
“For me dancing is joy.”
