UW-Stevens Point offering Hispanic Heritage Month events

Metro Wire Staff

The public is invited to celebrate Hispanic culture at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with events marking Hispanic Heritage Month.

Salsa and bachata dance lessons will be offered free of charge Friday, Sept. 16, from 6-8 p.m. as part of the “Vamos a Bailar (Let’s Dance)” event in Laird Room of the Dreyfus University Center (DUC), 1015 Reserve St., Stevens Point. No prior dance experience is needed. UW-Stevens Point alumni Kyle Thao and Annabelle Xiong will teach the basics of Latinx dances followed by a dance social. The event is sponsored by the Latino Student Alliance and Any Swing Goes student organization.

Celebración Hispana will be held Saturday, Oct. 1, from 2-6 p.m. in the Laird Room of the DUC. The event will offer performances from two dance groups and by Carmen Alicia Murguia, an award-winning poet, educator, and community-builder, as well as vendors, poetry, and a D.J. Sponsored by the Latino Student Alliance, the event admission is $12 for the general public, $10 for students and free for children five and under. Learn more by contacting [email protected].

“Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month is important because it allows us in the U.S. to celebrate and honor our Hispanic roots,” said Yadira Ramirez, a UW-Stevens Point graphic design major who is the vice president of the Latino Student Alliance. “This month creates an avenue for first-generation Americans and college students to build community and feel welcome on campus. Vamos a Bailar, Celebración Hispana, and other Fiesta Point events in the community are bringing the community together and highlighting the various resources/businesses that Stevens Point has to offer.”