Over time, cultures throughout the world have come up with different ways of expressing themselves. In Latin America, dance has become one of the most common forms of art used as self expression.
Mauricio Guevara, a native of Colombia, and Mari, his wife, have recently taken over as instructors for the beginner’s, intermediate and advanced Latin dance classes offered at the IronWorks Gym 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays.
The couple met through dancing about four years ago and married two years later. Their classes teach different types of dance to include salsa, bachata and merengue.
“Our beginner’s class focuses on having fun,” said Guevara. “If they come and they don’t have fun, they’re just going to lose interest.”
While the beginner’s class introduces students to the dances and goes through basic steps, the intermediate to advanced class is much more in depth, fast paced and teaches students different routines.
Both classes were filled with first timers along with recurring students who come for varying reasons.
Alma Detten, a student since April, said she comes to meet other Latin American people and improve her dance skills.
“I already knew how to dance,” said Detten, “but I’ve learned a lot of new stuff and different styles of dancing.”
For anyone interested, the beginner’s class is $10 per class every Wednesday, and the intermediate to advanced class is $12 per class every Thursday.
All classes are held in the aerobics room at the IronWorks Gym. Private lessons are also available upon request. For more information, call 253-6359.