By Cassandra Santiago
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One-two to the left. One-two to the right. Don’t forget to move the hips, slow or fast, but to the beat. Now, that’s how you dance bachata.
Bachata is only one of the Latino genres Des Moines-based DJ Kino will play beginning 7 p.m. Friday at the annual Al Ritmo de Latino America. The semi-formal Latino dance and food event will take place at in the IMU Main Lounge, courtesy of the Association of Latinos Moving Ahead.
The 10-year-old organization hosts the event every October in line with Latino Heritage Month, celebrated Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. This year’s theme is Al Ritmo de Latino America, which translates to To the rhythm of Latin America, meaning attendees can expect a showcase of the many Latino cultures.
“It was very important for all the Latino community to be acknowledged,” said Gerardo Guerrero, the Latino association public-relations head. “We all have our certain struggles, and it was very important that we feel a sense of unity within the Latino world.”
The cultures will ultimately be showcased through the sound provided by DJ Kino. In an effort to represent more than the Latino association’s predominantly Mexican-descent members, several Latino genres will be played. Some of these include, Brazilian-based samba, Dominican-based bachata and merengue, Colombian-based cumbia, and Puerto Rican-based salsa. Guests will also experience a live performance from Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl, a traditional Mexican folk dance troupe.
Frida Kahlo Mexican Restaurant & Lucy’s Bakery from Solon will cater a flavorful meal of free, authentic Mexican and Salvadorian food on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The decorations will play a role in uniting the cultures as well. Each table will have information about a different Latino country and its cultural practices. Flags of the different countries will line the lounge.
“[People] can expect an exposure to a culture that’s growing on campus,” said Monica Aparicio Ruiz, the Latino association event coordinator.
And the growth doesn’t seem to be slowing down. In fall of 2014, 5.6 percent of the UI undergraduate population identified as Latino. This fall, 8 percent of the first-year class did so. The Latino association is the only non-greek undergraduate student organization with a Latino-based focus, offering a sense of familiarity to many of these students.
“I didn’t feel like I was in an environment that talked about me as a minority,” said UI sophomore Xiomara Santana, a Latino association member. “Iowa always talked about how it’s really diverse, and I didn’t really see that. When a friend told me about this group, I went and it felt like home.”
Among many other things, the Association for Latinos Moving Ahead focuses on academics and social life. In addition to promoting studying and education, it hosts several social events during the school year.
“A lot of the time, we’re just an afterthought,” Santana said. “If we have [this event] on campus, it’s more like saying we’re here. It’s not just us at the university but as a community. We’re here.”