On Oct. 24, John Brown University students gathered in the Walker Student Center for Salsa Night, a beloved annual event hosted by the Council for International Friendship in collaboration with the Student Events and Activities team.
As in previous years, attendees enjoyed chips and salsa, along with refreshing horchata and agua de jamaica (hibiscus tea), while the lively rhythms of Latin music filled the room.
The event celebrates Latin culture through music, dance and community. With a live band setting the tone and a Zumba instructor leading energetic moves, students had the opportunity to dance to various genres, from salsa and merengue to bachata and cumbia.
“Profe Iglesias was a huge help organizing Salsa Night, along with SEA,” said CIF president José Conejo. “We got a live band, a Zumba instructor and a dance instructor — me!”
Marcela Mayorga, Freshman student from Nicaragua said, “I really liked it! It was fun. I feel like the most entertaining part was the competition.”
About halfway through the event, every year CIF holds a dance competition, in which various couples compete for first place in hopes of winning a gift card. This year, though various talented couples participated, the crowd ultimately decided to award the win to freshmen Alice Alonso and Santiago López.
For many students, Salsa Night is more than just a dance party; it’s a space to experience Latin culture, learn new steps and build friendships across cultures. Students from all cultures and backgrounds are encouraged to come out on the dance floor, helping each other learn the steps to the various dances being taught and fomenting a space of inclusivity and fun.
Ian Contreras, Junior Intercultural Studies major, said, “I enjoyed helping out with the salsa night because it’s really cool to see all the cultural events, and learning how to salsa dance was super fun and lively, so I am glad that it is an event that continues to be part of JBU’s culture.”
Article by Tai Urbina & Celeste Masís
Photo Courtesy of David Camacho
