Written by: Alissa Flores
After a year of restricted movement, Southern Adventist University students can lace up their dancing shoes and hit the stage. The university has lifted its restrictions on dancing at cultural nights and will allow it again at certain annual events, albeit with moderation. This move sparks enthusiasm and cautious celebration among students who enjoy the university’s cultural events.
The first chance to experience the newly reinstated dancing will be on Oct. 12, during the Latin American Club’s cultural night in Iles P.E. Center, starting at 9 p.m.
In an email to the Accent, Dennis Negrón, vice president for Student Development, explained the reason for the temporary pause on dancing during cultural nights in 2023.
“A one-year hiatus, not a ban, was placed on the cultural dancing occurring during these evenings to encourage clubs to expand their creativity,” Negrón stated. “Though choreographing a dance routine and then practicing it is a lot of work, the focus of the evenings had too often been on the dances. When these evenings were created, the intent was that they were to showcase more than just dance.”
Negrón also stated that dancing was an activity that had always been strictly limited on campus, according to the student handbook. The only exceptions were for cultural nights hosted by the Latin American Club (LAC), Black Christian Union (BCU) and Asian Club.
“Cultural dancing will be featured during these evenings this year,” Negrón said.
According to a previous Accent article, this was not the first time cultural club leaders have had to hit pause on dancing. But many students, including Rebecca Vega, last year’s LAC night director, felt upset about the notion of taking away an aspect of their culture, just to showcase other parts.
Megan Sewell, senior health science major and current president of Asian Club, stated in an interview how difficult it was when plans had to change last year.
“Dancing is a large part of these cultures, so it became a challenge to have that shift and having to replace that significant piece in the program,” Sewell said.
When asked if any stipulations were given to club leaders regarding dancing this year, Nathalie Jacome, junior psychology major and LAC president, shared what she was told.
“I think that rules were a little bit vague. I think they said that we could only do three dances. That was the only command we had,” Jacome said. “We always have to pass the songs by the film screening committee — that hasn’t changed — and then have basic modesty whenever you’re dancing, and don’t move the hips as much.”
Jacome continued to share the significance of what dancing will bring back to cultural nights. She explained that, in her opinion, dancing makes people more involved, because it can create community.
“We had so many auditions, so I think that shows that people really like to dance and they wanted to be part of it,” Jacome said. “I also think, for most seniors, it brings a sense of ‘Oh, it’s my last year. I want to dance and be part of it.’ I think it does represent something at Southern. It’s something on your bucket list, to be participating in the cultural night — even if you don’t want acting, you can also do dancing or other stuff.”
Despite her excitement for the allowance of dancing, Jacome said that as a club leader she is more careful about what and what not to do regarding choreography and plans. They aim to use their creativity to highlight Latin culture in many different ways, instead of solely focusing on the dancing aspect.
“Dancing is not the only avenue to highlight a culture, but it is a significant way to show off the diversity of the various cultures,” Sewell said. She shared how excited she is to not only lead out in, but also watch the unique beauty of the individual cultures showcased this year.
Although the cultural events showcase a variety of customs and traditions, Jacome said that dancing brings more attendees and elicits high enthusiasm for the familiar faces on stage.
“Dancing is just part of our culture,” she said, “so I think it should never be banned.”
“Dancing is just part of our culture, so I think it should never be banned.”
Haley Dugaduga, junior nursing major and vice president of Asian Club, said that although only three dances will be featured in the culture night, every country will be able to shine in its own unique way.
“I’m so excited that we’re gonna be able to bring an impactful performance from each country, so stay tuned!” Dugaduga said.
When asked how students reacted to the news of dancing this year, both Jacome and Sewell shared that although many were surprised and even unaware that dancing was back on for these events, the responses were positive, anticipating future participation numbers and turnout at events.
(Photo by Ronnell Cabacungan)
