The whole idea for the Utah Hispanic Dance Alliance concert is to educate, have fun and celebrate National Hispanic Month, according to spokeswoman Cecilia Skinner.
"October is National Hispanic Month," Skinner said. "So to celebrate, we are offering a two-hour concert of Latin-American folk dancers and live music."
Skinner said the event began three years ago. "We formed the UHDA in 2000 with the intention of educating Utah's population about the different Hispanic cultures. We are made up of a network of people who love the various cultures."
Under the direction of Jessica Salazar, the UHDA is not only informing the public about Hispanic lifestyles, it is also helping its own participants get in touch with their own culture.
"We realized that there were some of our own children who didn't know a lot about their roots," said Skinner. "So, in a sense, we are giving back our culture to our children."
The dance concert will feature traditional Mexican, Argentinian, Chilean and Venezuelan dances performed by various local artists, including a pre-show performance by students at the Hispanic Center for the Arts.
The event is just one of the way the UHDA brings its message to Utah. "We also do a lot of outreach programs in schools, Boys & Girls Clubs and Scouting programs," Skinner said. "But the dance concert is something we really enjoy because the public is invited."
E-MAIL: scott@desnews.com
If you go. . .
What: "Latin-American Dance Spectacular," the Utah Hispanic Dance Alliance
Where: Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W. 300 South
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
How much: $10
Phone: 355-2787, 1-800-451-2787, 688-2559
Web: www.arttix.org or www.uhda.org