Sweat dripped down the necks of guests dancing to tropical music at the Cal State Long Beach salsa club’s two-year anniversary in the University Student Union Ballrooms on Wednesday night.
Students from the salsa club hosted the event. Salsa clubs from UC Irvine, UC Riverside and UCLA performed, as well as the four-time world salsa champion, Liz Lira. Angel Lebron Y Su Sabor Latino, Los Angeles’ a popular L.A. salsa band, also performed live.
All five ballrooms were in use. The room was packed, with people from wall to wall dancing.
Kevin Ngo, founder of the salsa club, said, “Even though we promoted the event late, we ended up having a huge turnout.”
Two teams, beginning and advanced, dominated the dance floor to showcase the elements of partner dancing. The styles of the night included Afro-Cuban, Los Angeles and bachata.
Laura Luu, director/choreographer for the salsa club, and partner Gonzalo Ruelas had the audience in a frenzy during their performance full of fancy footwork.
“Most people (students) take a break from studying and get their stress relief from salsa,” said Ngo.
The salsa club was a lot smaller last year at CSULB, but this year it grew tremendously through word of mouth on campus, according to salsa club President Sarah Oxley.
“I joined the salsa club because I am Ecuadorian and I wanted to get back to my roots,” said Juan Munos, a freshman salsa club member.
Because the venue became so hot, some attendees took short refreshment breaks, but could not help still peeking into the ballroom while wiping crumbs off of their face from chips.
Ngo founded the club in 2006. The meetings and practices were held in the pressroom from the start, but the salsa club soon outgrew the small space.
The club has also been honored to be invited the Los Angeles Salsa Congress this year.
“Sometimes the performances at the event are taped and they make how-to videos out of them,” said Ngo
Teh club will host the college version of the West Coast Salsa Congress May 2 at Steven’s Steakhouse in Commerce at 5 p.m.
Salsa club meetings are held every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in The Nugget. Club members teach beginners until 8 p.m. and dance until 10 p.m.