Two organizations have teamed up to allow the campus to take a break from the first weeks of class and experience a part of Latin American culture.
The Pan-American Student Organization and Delta Delta Delta Sorority will host a night of festivities Friday, which will include free food and drinks, salsa dancing and salsa instructors for those who haven't quite mastered the dance steps.
Amie Bonelli, biology sophomore and Delta Delta Delta multicultural events chairwoman, said the purpose of the event is to get organizations together to do something students will enjoy.
"I think this is a great way to welcome people and give them some common ground," Bonelli said.
Alejandro Mier, Pan-Am president, said he has seen a growing interest in salsa dancing on campus over the past few semesters.
"We have done this several times before," Mier said. "We are seeing a lot more participation of different groups, and now the greek system is getting interested."
"It brings together people of different backgrounds," Mier said.
Mier said Pan-Am members have always believed in the importance of sharing and understanding culture, and dance is something people can relate to.
"Dance is very, very cultural," Mier said. "We use salsa as a presentation card to other people."
By opening the night to anyone on campus, Mier said he hopes to spread the Latino culture to OU.
Bonelli said she is optimistic that the event might attract students who typically would not attend campus social functions.
"There are so many things on campus that people don't know about," Bonelli said.
"Going to things like this can make a person more well-rounded by experiencing everything OU has to offer," Bonelli said. "They get the full effect of being a college student and not just going to class or being in a sorority or fraternity."
The event is free and will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday in the Oklahoma Memorial Union Ballroom.
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