Spring Break
Students dance night away at Millett Latin Dance Night
Brianna Mulligan
Issue date: 2/1/08 Section: Campus
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The event; sponsored by the Center for American and World Cultures (CAWC), the Elizabeth Wakeman Henderson Foundation, and MidwestLatino.com; hosted two major Midwest salsa bands, Tropicoso and Son del Caribe, for a night of dancing and dining, Caribbean style.
"The night is an excuse for students go out and dance and just have fun," said David Sheldrick, an assistant director for the Miami Performing Arts Series and a coordinator for the event.
Despite a downpour of freezing rain and icy temperatures, Miami and Oxford community members were numerous at the event. Coat racks were full of winter jackets and scarves as attendees danced along to the tropic style music being played.
Two popular Latino bands performed the festive music. Tropicoso is one of Cincinnati's premier Latin ensembles and has received awards including Best World/Ethnic/Reggae in 2002 Cincinnati Entertainment Awards and the 2003 Cammy for Best World Beat Band.
Son Del Caribe is another Cincinnati salsa band, led by one of Miami's very own faculty, Jaime Morales, an associate music professor.
The night included free dance lessons, taught by a member of Topicoso. Attendees learned traditional salsa moves for half an hour before the bands kicked the night into full motion.
Latin Dance Night was open to anyone in the Oxford and Miami communities, with ticket prices ranging from $18 for adults and $9 for students and youths. More than 350 tickets were sold before the event.
Attendants ranged in all ages, from Oxford middle school students to Miami students and faculty.
Elizabeth Stanley, 13, from Somerville and Laura Jones, 14, from Oxford went to support their teacher.
"She asked us to come, so we did," Laura said. "It sounded fun."
"We went to the Latin festival in town and it seemed pretty interesting, so we came here," added Elizabeth.
Others attended for the sole purpose of dancing.
"I just love to dance," Miami sophomore Becky Williams said before hitting the floor to perform some salsa. "I know how to swing dance, so I hope some of that crosses over."
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