By Wenderlis Guevara | Staff Writer
Music and movement brought students together for a night of salsa, culture and connection hosted by the university’s Venezuelan Student Association.
Rather than a typical social event, the night was organized as a salsa class designed for all levels, with a focus on making beginners feel comfortable. A single table with Venezuelan snacks and food added a cultural touch before students joined the dance floor.
The event began with a warm-up session, easing participants into the basics of salsa. Laughter and nervous excitement spread through the room as students practiced simple individual steps, following along with the instructor. For many, it was their first time dancing salsa.
As the class progressed, the energy in the room grew. What started as hesitant footwork quickly turned into confident movement. Soon, students transitioned into partner dancing, pairing up to practice turns and rhythm. The shift brought a new level of excitement, as the room filled with music, movement and shared moments between partners.
For the organizers, the event was about more than just dancing.
“The purpose is to promote Venezuelan culture. We are obviously in a very diverse university with a lot of cultures, and I believe that our culture has something very special and unique, like every culture,” said Camila Melinkoff, a senior political science major and president of the Venezuelan Student Association.
Melinkoff said the organization was also created to fill a gap on campus.
“Even though there’s a big Venezuelan community at FIU, there wasn’t a place where we could hang out and support each other,” she said. “We want to be a support system for Venezuelan students and share with the rest of the FIU community a little bit of our love for our country.”
Photo of students learning basic salsa steps with the coach | Wenderlis Guevara, PantherNOW
The Venezuelan Student Association aims to create a sense of community for Venezuelan students while also opening its doors to the broader campus. By hosting events like salsa night, the group hopes to promote cultural awareness and bring students together.
Event coordinator Rebeca Hernandez, also a senior political science major, said the event was an opportunity to show a different perspective of Venezuela.
“I think it’s about showing a different side of Venezuela, especially now when there’s a lot of news about our country that can be controversial or negative,” Hernandez said. “This shows another side of our culture, something that feels like home to us and what truly represents us. It’s also important to have fun.”
Throughout the night, it was clear the event was doing just that. Strangers became dance partners, and by the end of the class, many were laughing and cheering each other on.
For Manuela Maza, a junior double majoring in international business and marketing and vice president of the association, creating these spaces is essential to cultural exchange on campus.
“For me, it means allowing other cultures to get to know more about the culture that you are promoting,” Maza said. “Events like this help create a safe space where people can learn about other cultures and connect with them.”
As the music slowed and the night came to a close, students lingered, still talking and enjoying the atmosphere.
With music, food and dance, the night offered more than entertainment; it created a space where culture could be shared and connections could grow, one step at a time.
About Post Author
