As a result of Old World and Indigenous cultures, dancing varies throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. At UT, two organizations celebrate and promote this diversity: Texas Latin Dance and Texas Folklorico Dance Company.
Cynthia Guo, an environmental science-biology junior and president of Texas Latin Dance, said TLD cultivates all participants’ dance skills, no matter their experience level. In doing so, Guo said TLD adds to UT’s diversity by spreading awareness of different cultures and offering a cultural escape from academic life.
“We teach a variety of dances: salsa, bachata, cumbia, merengue and Brazilian Zouk,” Guo said. “We’re in a unique position since UT has a large population of students who grew up with these dances (and) we get many students who really want to learn them. The greatest thing is when there are new people who are not Latin, like myself, who come dance and have fun and gain cultural appreciation.”
Since TLD specializes in certain dances, Guo said the organization would love to collaborate with other organizations to gain more cultural exposure on campus.
“We’re trying to expand the clubs and collaborate with other Latin orgs to teach a class with them,” Guo said. “Right now (we are preparing) for the Dia De Los Muertos festival on Nov. 1 in the Grand Plaza. These efforts are to let students know that these clubs exist and cater to all cultural backgrounds.”
Sarahli Lopez Touchy, a business sophomore and president of Texas Folklorico Dance Company, said the organization also promotes diversity on campus. Lopez Touchy said she and her organization chairs restarted the organization, which disbanded due to COVID-19.
“Our mission is to bring back Folklorico culture to UT,” Lopez Touchy said. “We wanted to bring back what connects us to our culture. Folklorico encompasses all the different dances found in Mexico.”
Lopez Touchy said Texas Folklorico allows for those who grew up familiar with the Folklorico culture to stay connected to their roots.
“The way we’re trying to do that is by offering a lot of help for people who are not used to being (at UT), but they really want to connect their culture through this way,” Lopez Touchy said. “We encourage (students) to stay (in the organization) and learn (since) it’s a little tricky at first.”
Erika Rodriguez, a history senior and social media officer of TLD, said students benefit from these organizations since they offer a means of discovering one’s culture.
“Students should do things that help them grow (closer) to their culture,” Rodriguez said. “I recommend stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new (that) you’ve always had an interest in but never had the opportunity to do. Now is the time to do it.”
Rodriguez said these organizations play an important role in the UT community and the new wave of traditions of UT.
“Latinos are who you encounter in daily life in Texas,” Rodriguez said. “You’re surrounded by the culture even when not purposely immersing yourself in it. (These organizations) are important because they present our culture and celebrate it in a fun way for all students.”
