On Friday, Oct. 18, John Brown University hosted Salsa Night in the Walker Student Center from 7-9 p.m. Organized by the Council for International Friendship, the Student Events and Activities team and the Language Studies Department, the evening was filled with vibrant energy, dance and music. The event featured dance instructors, a live band and a dance competition that awarded $50 to the first-place winners, $30 for second place and $20 for third.

The live music for the night was provided by Calle Soul Band, whose upbeat rhythms kept the crowd dancing. Participants also enjoyed the guidance of Zumba and salsa instructors. José Conejo, a junior computer science student from Costa Rica and member of CIF, not only taught the crowd salsa moves but also helped organize the event.

Conejo expressed how much he enjoyed both organizing and being a part of the event, as it gave him the opportunity to share his love for dance with others on campus.

"Salsa is such a big part of my culture, and it’s amazing to see everyone get into it. Dancing is a way of connecting with others, and it’s always great to bring a bit of home to JBU," Conejo said.

Deily Alpizar, a junior business student from Costa Rica, was one of the first-place winners in the dance competition.

"I have been dancing since I was very young," Alpizar said. "In my country, I usually go out to dance salsa and other Latin rhythms with my family and friends. The music was amazing, and I think that's what helped me to bring out my best salsa moves.”

In addition to the dancing, students enjoyed snacks like chips and drinks such as horchata and hibiscus tea. As the night progressed, the dance competition became the highlight, with Alpizar and Robin Chavez, a senior computer science major from Guatemala, taking the top prize.

"To be honest, I didn’t expect to win, but it was such a fun night and winning was just the icing on the cake," Alpizar said.

The event provided students with a joyful break from their routines, offering them a chance to immerse themselves in Latin dance, connect with their friends and celebrate cultural diversity.

Photo courtesy of Helen Colop