Dozens of Students Learn Latin Dances in Front of the UT Tower

By Oihane Ochoa Navarro

Reporting Texas TV

AUSTIN, Texas – A Latin dancing student organization and an international student organization collaborated for a free salsa and bachata class at the Main Building Square.

Texas Latin Dance and Planet Longhorn hosted the event Sept. 28 beneath the UT Tower.

“We just like to dance, teach people to dance and have a fun time,” said Joey Smith, a Texas Latin Dance instructor.

Peter Clauter and Cynthia Guo led the class, and Texas Latin Dance member Leonardo Guardione also got the chance to teach some steps.

“It’s very nice to have one-on-one conversations with people while you learn to do a third thing,” Guardione said. 

The activity encouraged conversation among the attendees and facilitated socializing. Dance partners changed for each new song so attendees were able to meet more people and make new friends. 

“You get to meet a bunch of different people, you have conversations with them and learn about them,” Guardione said.

Julian González, a Planet Longhorn officer, explained that the organization wants to help international students learn more about the United States, make new friends and visit places around Austin.

Many Latinos attended the event. Planet Longhorn is primarily made up of Latin Americans so it tends to focus on organizing cultural activities that help its members connect with their origins and as well as share their traditions.

“As Latinos, whenever we show our culture to other individuals, that brings joy to our hearts,” attendee Carlos Rizzoli said.

Texas Latin Dance offers classes every Thursday at the Texas Union T-House Suite from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. They also promote other social events throughout the week. 

This was the first time the organizations offered an event like this. Due to the success and good reception from attendees, organizers plan to announce upcoming dates soon. 

“An event like tonight where we are dancing salsa and bachata at UT Tower, like how often do you see that?,” attendee Esteban López said.

A loudspeaker and a willingness to learn were the real stars of the evening. The music did not stop playing until 10 p.m., and the dancers kept moving in the dark.