The Pan-American Student Association kicked off a week of activities celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month on Monday night with free Latin dance lessons.
Those who attended learned how to merengue, a Latin dance that consists of quick, rhythmic steps. The dance originated in the Dominican Republic and has Latin and Afro-Caribbean origins.
Alejandro Mier, PANAM president and Mexico native, said learning different dances from Hispanic culture is a way to teach others about his culture.
"I want to share everything about my culture," Mier said. "I've learned many things from other countries, and when you understand other cultures and diversity it gives you advantages. It helps enrich yourself."
PANAM will give salsa lessons at 7 tonight in the Oklahoma Memorial Union Traditions Room.
They will combine both lessons and review salsa and merengue moves at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the OMU Sooner Room.
Mayra Olivares, president of the Hispanic American Student Association and public relations co-chair for PANAM, said she hopes the OU community will attend the week's event to learn about PANAM members' culture.
"We don't target just Hispanic students," Olivares said. "We welcome all people of different backgrounds because as much as we want to express our culture, we want people to share with us."
During the Campus Activities Council sponsored Publicity Week, PANAM and HASA will host a cultural dance from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the OMU court yard. PANAM will host a live performance Friday in the OMU.
Michelle Rodriguez, mechanical engineering senior and Venezuela native, has seen her share of PANAM dancing and sees it as an opportunity for fun as well as cultural awareness.
"I want others to know how much fun it is, and everyone learns something," Rodriguez said. "It is always about culture and about having fun."
Rodriguez taught the Latin dance lesson and said she expects the session to be packed by Wednesday.
Elena Perez, mechanical engineering freshman, said she would like to see a larger turnout today.
"This event is a great chance to meet people from other countries and the US," Perez said.
For Perez, it is more than just a good time. It is a chance to remember home.
"PANAM events are a taste of home. It's a cultural mix of all Hispanic cultures," Perez said. "It is a chance to compare and share."
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