Latin American music saturated Harriman Hall, draped with 15 flags from Latin American countries, on Thursday night, as the Latin American Student Association hosted its 23rd annual culture show.
The attendants sampled traditional Latin American cuisine, music and dancing throughout the evening.
"This event is an opportunity for us to celebrate our culture as well as our diversity amongst the nations that compose Latin America," said Dionisia Duarte, the president of the club.
"Growing up in the suburbs of Buffalo, I have never had an opportunity to see or taste anything from Latin America," said Tom Powers, a sophomore English major who attended the event. "I also met a few people. I'm glad I made the trek to South Campus."
Usually, the event is held in a theater, Duarte said, but this year the club opted to hold the event on South Campus and add flavor from other cultures. The event featured ballroom dancing, including the tango and quickstep, a martial arts presentation and a presentation from the UB Step Troupe.
"It was kind of different than previous years," said Duarte, "but we wanted to experiment with something different."
"We had a Latin American base with lots of other types of cultures," she added.
Duarte said though the club expected about 40 people to attend, about 55 filed through the door, much to her surprise. Each ticket cost $4, and the proceeds go to the club.
"As a community, LASA hopes to address the needs of our community both on-and off-campus," she said.
The crowd dined on rice, chicken and a Latin American dessert served by Tropical Bakery on Grant Street.
The Latin American SA also brought Latin American dancing, martial arts, poetry, comedy and skits reflective of Latin American culture to the evening. The event was not restricted to members of the Latin American community, however; it was open to anyone who wished to attend.
"Everything we do is open to everyone," Duarte said. "Our meetings are all conducted in English. Our newsletters are in English, because we really don't want to be discriminatory."
"I am glad that there are opportunities for different cultures to get together and display themselves," said Tim Burke, a freshman undecided major. "Not enough people in this country know much at all about each other, so small events like this are a huge plus."
Duarte said she hopes next year the club will continue to make the same kind of progress it has this year.
"The club basically turned around," said Durate. "It was falling through the floor when I got to it.
Duarte said the club plans to begin a Latino Pride Week during Latino Heritage Month in October. She also plans to continue and strengthen the Latin American SA's other large event, the annual Art and Food Festival.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
