The Spanish Club encourages students and faculty to participate in a night of food, music and educational entertainment at the annual Latin Dance Night.
Starting as a fundraiser to support activities of the Spanish Club, the event has continued to generate interest and developed into a program to fund Study Abroad education of students.
Faculty advisor Mariela Sanchez shares background on the event and Spanish Club.
“I have been the club adviser for about seven years,” said Sanchez. “I continued the Latin Dance tradition. The last five years, [the proceeds] go to our Spanish Club Study Abroad Program Scholarship Fund.”
Latin Dance Night is held by each year in addition to other cultural events, educational development and social activities. It  will be held in the Student Union Ballroom from 6-9 p.m. on March 17 and does not require registration or ticket purchases prior to the event. Tickets are currently being sold at a cost of $7 by faculty of the Department of Languages and Communication. Prices will not increase and will be accepted at the door on the night of the event. Casual attire is appropriate.  
The organization is excited to continue the event in the new union ballroom.
“This year we are so happy that our event is going to take place in the new Student Union,” said Sanchez.  “The event is going to include, as it has in the past, food, drinks, Latin music, prizes and piñatas.”
Although many local restaurants, including La Caretta and Mi Patio, have agreed to contribute to the meal options, donations are still being accepted.
Spanish Club members have volunteered to provide desserts and decorations and set up for the event with help from students and faculty of Spanish courses.  
In addition to enjoying food and music, attendees will be able to benefit from prize giveaways, earn gift certificates and swing at goodie-filled piñatas.
Sanchez shares the main idea behind the event.
“Besides the food, prizes, and the dance and music, this event is mainly to show the audience how our Hispanic music impact our state of mind, our spirit and wrap a great social network of happy people in one night,” said Sanchez.
For more information or to purchase tickets contact Sanchez at (985) 549-2270 or via email at mariela.sanchez@selu.edu.