Rudy Flores, club president and business junior, teaches the classes.
Counseling and leadership adviser Adrian McClain said, “Right now we’re learning the merengue. It’s a lot of fun.”
Flores said, “The gym was nice enough to give us the space for free.” The University has a five-year contract with the wellness center.
There is no fee for the extracurricular classes and entrance to the facility is free for University students who present a student ID and printed account summary, available through Jaguar Connect.
The account summary is required once. “After that, just show the ID when you come,” Flores said.
Once a routine is learned, Flores said his goal is to take the club off campus.
“I want to take them to a club to dance,” Flores said. “Eventually, I want them to give performances.”
Flores has two clubs in mind: Azuca and Arjons. Both are traditional Latin dance clubs.
“The campus doesn’t fund the club right now, but I’m looking into it,” Flores said. “I also want to look into fundraising and donations so members don’t need to take money out of their own pockets.”
The club will need funding for clothing and admissions fees for visiting dance clubs and performing in public events.
What to Wear
During lessons, men should wear shoes with leather soles, Flores said.
“I do recommend the girls wear high heels,” Flores said. “They need to get used to dancing in them, or they’ll be falling over in public.”
Once the club starts performing in public, he wants men to wear slacks, dress shoes and a nice top. He suggests women should wear a nice dress.
Members are not required to come to all rehearsals.
“Come whenever you can,” Flores said. “There is no charge and no burden.”
To register, new members need to fill out a registration form provided by Flores.Completed forms should be submitted to the office of student engagement and success.
“Everyone from last semester graduated so I don’t have very many members right now,” Flores said. “The club is mostly boys so we do need girls and if you can, bring your own partner.”
For more information and a schedule of classes, call Flores at 210-685-4395.
