This Saturday night, November 6, the Latin American and Caribbean Coalition is sponsoring their annual fall semester dance party.
This year the theme is “Caribbean Ritmo.” Various styles of music will be featured, such as reggae, salsa, merengue, and hip-hop. Though the focus is on Caribbean music, President Ricardo Fernandez said that LACC’s goal is to “cater to all crowds.”
Last year, as a fresman, Fernandez came to St. Louis from Jamaica. He enjoys being so involved on campus, and serves as a voice for multiple cultures. In addition to serving as LACC President, Fernandez is the Village Representative for the Black Student Alliance.
As the president of LACC, Fernandez wants to give Latin American and Caribbean cultures greater exposure on campus. The annual dance party is a fun way to do this.
Fernandez emphasizes that LACC is an open organization and welcomes students of all nationalities to join or come to events. While the group’s purpose is to promote Latin American and Caribbean cultures, it is not exclusive to Latin and Caribbean students.
LACC sponsors many other activities throughout the year. A soccer tournament took place last weekend at Wash U to raise money for charity. Several tournaments are held each year.
The most popular yearly LACC event is Fiesta Tropical in February which draws approximately one thousand students. A portion of the money for Caribbean Ritmo comes from Fiesta Tropical profits. Other funding comes from LACC’s allocation from the International Student Federation, another chartered organization.
The LACC expects a strong turnout of 200 to 300 students at the dance party, which will be held from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. in the lower level of Busch Memorial Center. There will be refreshments as well as a bar for students over 21.
Students can purchase advance tickets for $3 in the Student Life office on the third floor of BMC. At the door tickets will cost $5, or $3 with a canned good. The canned goods collected at the dance will be given to SLU’s food drive.
Alejandra Alvarez, who serves as the member of parliament to ISF, agrees with Fernandez on the purpose of Caribbean Ritmo.
Caribbean Ritmo will be a great way to “expose the Saint Louis University community to Latin American and Caribbean rhythms in a fun atmosphere,” Alvarez said.
