New Latin dance club goes into full swing

IU students can be "livin' la vida loca" at school with the recently founded Latin Dance Club. The club, which had its first call-out meeting Sept. 30, is meeting for its first official practice tonight. The club had a great turnout for its call-out meeting and currently has 160 people on its e-mail list.\n"The club is mostly compromised of students who are amateur dancers," said Emily Jablon, the club's president. "We do all different dance styles from salsa to Spanish American hip hop."\nThe club is open to all levels of dance, and is not exclusive to IU students.\n"I have some adults from the Bloomington community as well. You don't need to have your own partner to come either," Jablon said.\nPatricia Mota, a graduate student and sponsor of the club is active in teaching dance to members.\n"I lead Latin Moves sessions at the SRSC on Wednesdays at 9:15 p.m.," Mota said. "I am also currently working on a project with the president of Teter teaching Latin dance lessons in an effort to promote diversity in their events. I have been dancing and working on choreography since elementary school."\nSince the club just started this year, they only have one executive member, Jablon. She is eager, though, for other students to step up into leadership positions.\n"There are six positions up for grabs," Jablon said. "Some of these are vice president, marketing director, chief financial officer and web designer. This is a great way for students to get involved right way. Unlike many other clubs, they don't have to put in a lot of time before running for positions."\nSophomore Matthew Gichohi is excited by the prospect of a Latin dance club and has been interested in such an organization for a while.\n"I have danced salsa before, mostly with friends," Gichohi said. "I have done it since freshman year and would definitely be interested in this club."\nNot only does the club practice dance, they also plan to go to some clubs, Jablon said. Mota also hopes the group will develop into entering some competitions.\n"I hear the Jazz Kitchen in Indy is a fabulous place to dance," Gichohi said. "I would love to experience the club dancing in Indy."\n-- Contact staff writer Cecelia Wolford at cwolford@indiana.edu.