The Omnibus

Issue date: 10/5/07 Section: In the Spotlight

Media Credit: Jade Enoch Freshmen Andy Herbek and Liz Munnell try out their newly learned salsa moves. Students continued Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations with ballroom dancing lessons held in Blair Intramural Gym on Friday Sept. 28. [Click to enlarge]

On Friday, Sept. 28, about 50 students filled Blair Intramural Gym, swaying to the tune of Latin ballroom music. Two instructors from the Sonshine Ballroom in Springfield spent an hour instructing couples on the basic steps of various Latin American ballroom dances, such as salsa, the rumba and the cha cha.
Following the dancing, participants sat down to the famous American Spanish dessert sopapillas, a deep-fried pastry topped with sugar and honey often served alongside ice cream.
Students listened to the testimony of a woman who is a native of Peru, who spoke Spanish as her words were translated for her English-speaking audience. Following her testimony, the woman closed by performing a native Peruvian dance.
Another way students celebrated Hispanic heritage was with a Mexican-themed dinner in Mellers Dining Commons on Wednesday, Sept. 26. A student-led mariachi band, complete with maracas, played traditional favorites such as 'La Cucuracha' and 'Feliz Navidad' during the dinner. Students were served rice, beans, burritos and enchiladas, with sopapillas for dessert.
The events were part of Southwest Baptist University's celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, a national celebration held from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 each year to recognize the unique contributions of the Hispanic people to United States' culture and to celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture. The month begins on Sept. 15 because it is the independence anniversary for five Latin American countries including El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
Southwest Baptist University will finish its celebration of Hispanic Heritage on Thursday, Oct. 11 with a Hispanic Grocery Bingo competition in Goodson Student Union.
The night's theme will celebrate Latin culture in numerous ways from an opportunity to learn a few Spanish words to chips and salsa served to all participants.

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