Hips swivelled and bodies swayed to the pulsing exotic beat of Latin music last night.
A free Salsa lesson and rhythmic music attracted 11 fast-footed Penn women to the Onda Latina sponsored event at the Greenfield Intercultural Center.
Two student instructors from Penn's only Latin dance troupe taught elementary aspects of the romantic Salsa dance. The interested women were instructed in the basic steps, as well as elements of turning, partner work and infamous sensual Latin movement.
"I just came for fun," said a beaming Engineering sophomore Rachel Webre. "I've always loved Onda Latina -- they're great."
No male students attended the lesson.
The women who participated, however, were exposed to both traditional and more Americanized or "pop" versions of Salsa dancing.
"I've done Tango before, but I've never done Salsa," said College freshman Ashley Foxx. "I've always been interested in Latin culture and I think Latin dancing is amazing."
The enthusiastic and agile students were guided by the moves of College junior Ramaris German and Engineering sophomore Davin Riley.
"I'm from the Dominican Republic, so I've grown up doing Meringue. I've actually only been doing Salsa for four years," said German, president of Onda Latina. "So in four years, you can look this good too."
While both instructors have spent most of their years perfecting other types of Latin dancing, they both agree that Salsa is their favorite within the genre.
"I started out as a Mambo dancer but then I tried learning Salsa three years ago," said second-year Onda Latina member Riley. "It was easy to learn because it's so much fun."
The free lessons were provided in honor of the 20th annual "Festival Latino de Penn," an event intended to increase awareness of the Latin culture that exists within the University. Salsa lessons were aimed specifically to expose interested students to the captivating and enchanting rhythms of Latin music and dance.
In addition, Onda Latina wanted to advertise their own moves and abilities which will be displayed in the group's upcoming spring concert.
"This is the fifth anniversary of Onda Latina," proclaimed German. "This year we'll cover the history of our group in the show, as well as perform some really fabulous dances."
The consistently sold out annual performance will be held from April 11 to 13 in the Harold Prince Theater in Annenberg. While the Salsa lesson was free, tickets for the show must be purchased on Locust Walk for $6.
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