The less than starry night on Friday called for the Hispanic Latino Student Union’s HLSU party, Bailé Bajo las Luces, or “Dance Under the Stars,” to be moved from its original location of the Maucker Union Rooftop to the lobby of the CME. This dance was a kickoff not only to the HLSU school year, but also to celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage month.

According to the UNI website, Hispanic Heritage month is from Sept. 15 and until Oct. 15. For HLSU President Alexis Alfaro, the goal of the Hispanic Latino Student Union is to bring more awareness to campus of the Latin culture. This gives the Hispanic Latino community on campus a reason to celebrate underneath the stars.

The walls were adorned with “Papel Picado,” or cut paper, that is very characteristic of Latin culture. Flags of the many Latin countries welcomed people in the archway. On one side of the room were empanadas, a type of Hispanic snack, and agua de pina, which is pineapple water. The other side of the room was for dancing.

An instructor directed people in the steps of the salsa and bachata. After the lessons, the party went into full swing as they played music from various Latin artists. From Elvis Crespo, to Marc Anthony, students practiced their newly learned dance moves together. Side-by-side, Hispanic and non-Hispanic students danced the Macarena and later the Whip and Nae Nae. Students even participated in a high strung Hispanic square dance and the Wobble. Alfaro said there was no clashing of cultures, but rather a comfortable meshing of Latin and American dance.

Overall, Alfaro considered Bailé Bajo las Luces a success and hopes to continue hosting this particular dance in the future. Although the weather hindered attendance, she believes that these big events are important for helping share her diverse culture with the rest of the University.

To students who are not sure if they want to attend HLSU events, Alfaro encourages everyone to at least try it out.

“Give us a try, we don’t turn down anyone who is not Hispanic or has the same culture or language as us,” said Alfaro.  “Latino by tradition, not by definition.”