Seton Hall University's first and only Latin and multicultural dance organization, Unidos Bailamos, celebrated the artistry of Latin dance during this semester’s first showcase, centered around the theme “Together We Are America,” on April 28. The showcase featured a lineup of Latin dances like salsa, bachata, traditional (Latin jazz), reggaetón, and Latin pop with cumbia fusion. Each piece reflected not only technical skill and dedication, but also the cultural roots and story behind each movement.
Audience members filled Jubilee Atrium, many attending to support friends while others enjoyed the lively and welcoming atmosphere.
The showcase began with an opening address from the club’s president, Daniella Reyes, who acknowledged the organization's founder and highlighted the collective effort that brings Unidos Bailamos to life.
Her words set the tone for a performance that is built on the organization's mission of unity, expression and cultural appreciation.
Raul Garcia, a freshman biology major, shared that his motivation for attending was simple.
“I know multiple people in Unidos Bailamos and wanted to come and support them,” Garcia said. “I know they’ve been hard at work practicing for this performance.”
For others, the showcase offered a deeper emotional impact. Jewell Ours, a sophomore psychology major, pointed to a powerful moment near the end when dancers carried around flags from various countries.
“This moment showcased how people from everywhere can and should unite, and through dance,” Ours said. “The atmosphere of the showcase was extremely positive and welcoming…it was very refreshing.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Lizzie Redding, a freshman psychology major, emphasized how this event built campus community.
“It encourages people from different backgrounds to come together and do something they love,” Redding said. “And what they create is truly something beautiful.”
Redding also added that the showcase broadened her perspective, particularly in how traditional Latin dance styles can be adapted into modern, trendy formats while still honoring cultural roots.
Tyler Centeno, a sophomore visual sound and media major, attended in support of his friend Will Sherman but quickly found himself drawn into the experience.
“[Sherman] told me what the event was and it sounded very fun and a good time overall,” Centeno said. “I personally love to dance to Spanish music, and this was right up my alley.”
Beyond the performances, Centeno highlighted the welcoming environment, recalling how attendees and members alike greeted him warmly and even invited him to help with setup, which contributed to why he was “very happy [he] came to the showcase.”
In order to bring this experience to students, the executive board worked for months to bring the showcase together.
The club’s vice president, Haley Acevedo, a sophomore philosophy major, explained that the preparation for the event began in early February, describing the process as fun and unique, as she had never done anything like it before.
As vice president, Acevedo is grateful for her role as she assists the president with communicating needs and coordinates co-sponsorships with other organizations and helps to keep everyone in check and accountable.
“Our mission is to spread culture through the art of dance,” Acevo said. “It is an essential display of self, and it helps people see what culture can do and how it inspires people to...perform with courage.”
Joelle Robertson, a sophomore psychology major who serves in external communications, assists in communications with other clubs and organizations on campus for co-sponsorships and partnerships.
Robertson emphasized the club's commitment to breaking stereotypes surrounding Latin dance.
“Some people think that Latin dance is for a certain gender, or that it’s provocative, but it’s more than that,” Robertson said. “It’s about family, culture, and you do not have to be Latino [to join] the club, like myself.”
Robertson also highlighted that Unidos Bailamos welcomes members of all backgrounds, reinforcing its multicultural identity.
“Different styles of dance have different cultures within them, and we want to foster that with all who dance on our team, and those who are interested,” Robertson said. “It is very important that we integrate other cultures into our workshops and performances.”
Secretary Santiago Avellaneda Zevallos, a senior biology major, shared that his role entails documenting meeting minutes and preparing for the next.
Avellaneda noted that organizing this event came with unique challenges and time constraints, but the team successfully coordinated logistics such as funding, props and booking the event space.
“I have been on the e-board for a while, and have seen four different presidents, and our current president is looking for the audience reaction throughout it all,” Avellaneda said. “We want to show the audience that you can dance and show who you are confidently.”
Although Avellaneda will be graduating this May, he holds his “UBFamilia” close to his heart and is looking forward to seeing how the club’s members continue to strengthen Unidos Bailamos’ legacy.
“I [know] we will be continuing our dance workshops and classes along with fall and spring showcases,” Avellaneda said. “We also would like to do a talent show and performances with other Latin and multicultural college dance teams.”
As the night concluded, it was clear that Unidos Bailamos had achieved more than just an entertaining performance, as the audience was encouraged to join them through a series of dances, reinforcing their community-centered mission.
Daniella Reyes, president of Unidos Bailamos, is a writer for The Setonian.
Kassandrah Blake is a writer for The Setonian’s Features section. She can be reached at kassandrah.blake@student.shu.edu.
