By:  Amanda Rodriguez ’15

Staff Writer

The time of year has come where the Spanish Heritage class prepares for the Hispanic Heritage Month Tour. The tour is a showcase where the students can celebrate their culture and inform others about Hispanic Heritage month through dancing, singing, and presentation. The class travelled to Kilmer, Johnson, Paine, and Barton Elementary Schools on October 11, 2013.
The program began with two performances of singing. The opening act was performed by Senora Rios. Senora Rios teaches several Spanish classes at West. The song that she sang is called “Cielito Lindo”. The rough translation of the title of the song is “Lovely Sweet One.” This is a very popular song from Mexico. It is best known for its lyrics “Ay,ay,ay,ay”. The class joined in by belting out those lyrics. The next song performed by Jalitza Gomez, was a more uplifting song originally performed by Gloria Estefan. Jalitza is involved with many musical activities at West including her appearance in the Wedding Singer. Jalitaza shares, “I’m ok with singing. I have done it for the past three years. It’s easier each year because I have the support of the class and Senora.”
The majority of the performances consist of cultural dances. One of the dances this year is brand new to the tour. This dance combines tango and bachata. The inspiration for the dance comes from a song by Romero Santos who is a famous bachata artist. The bachata dance is an easy step dance to follow while the tango includes some spins and dips. Last year the class learned how to tango. Other dances include the Combia, Salsa, and Merengue.
The best part of the show is the grand finale. The class creates a new one every year. In the past students have memorized the grand finales. This year the grand finale will be a dance to “Limbo” by Daddy Yankee. “Limbo” will make appearances in Just Dance 2014 and Zumba Fitness: World Party. It is a Zumba style dance that has simple steps to follow. The whole class will participate in the performance of the grand finale. There will be the traditional limbo incorporated into the performance.
The Spanish Heritage class continues to take the tour to the elementary school because the kids enjoy the show every year. The schools always invite the class back. “Every year is a challenge to chose who is going. Now we have three classes. I would love to take everybody,” explains Senora Mintz.” The students love the experience.”
Hispanic Heritage month is celebrated to recognize the contributions and presence of Hispanic Americans in the United States.