[UNFILTERED]: OU Latin Club Hosts 13th Annual Fiesta

The OU Latin Dance Club hosted 338 people at its 13th Annual Fiesta on Oct. 14. 

The club opened its night with a free lesson by Phong Nguyen that taught the basics of bachata and salsa. 

Sophomore computer engineering major Nathaniel Kernen, who is half Bolivian, attended the lesson beforehand. Kernen said he came to the social dance because he likes dancing and wanted to socialize. 

“I’ve been dancing with people, just trying not to stand on their feet,” said Kernen. 

Kernen said he was enjoying the dance and thought people come to these dances because there is no stress when dancing.

President of Latin Dance Club Ruth Cervantes said the lesson before the social went well.

“A lot of people who come to the lessons and come early come here because they don’t know how to dance,” said Cervantes. “They come to the lesson, they get to learn, then they have a fun rest of the night.”

Cervantes said the dance happened to align with the end of Hispanic Heritage month and she hoped that the dance would be a way for people to familiarize themselves with Hispanic culture. 

“There are a lot of people here that are not latinos so I think it’s working out pretty well.” said Cervantes. 

Nursing and pre-med Senior Sierra Gillian said she has been a member of Latin Dance Club for a year. 

“It’s one of the things I look forward to every year,” said Gillian. She came to the dance immediately after work. 

“I like the dance with your partner where you can be with somebody and enjoy yourself,” said Gillian. 

Professional dancer with Adelante Studio Nelson Morgan, 63, said his whole life is about dancing and helping people enjoy dance. 

“Very few people in the dance community know me as Nelson Morgan,” said Morgan. He said everyone knows him as ‘Big Sexy.’

Morgan said he plans to teach dance at retirement homes in the future. 

“Dancing -- it’s just walking to music. If I can dance anyone can dance,” said Morgan. 

For more information about Latin Dance Club, visit its Facebook page here.