Get ready to dance the night away at the 5th Annual Spring Salsa Party at UCLA, featuring the Pablo Mendez Latin Band! The event, sponsored by the Ballroom Dance Club & International Folk Dance Club at UCLA, offers a fun-filled night of everything salsa!

Don't know how to salsa? No worries! The night begins with salsa lessons from event founders James & Cynthia.  The pair not only founded the Spring Salsa Party but were also past presidents of the Ballroom Dance Club at UCLA. 

Throughout the night guests will be treated to inspirational Latin dance and musical performances.

Some performers include: Music of Mexico: Ethno-musicology Dept. Performance Class, Grupo Folklorico de UCLA, Redondo Union High School Salsa Troupe, Michael Espinoza (Argentine Tango Master), and special guests fromthe  UCLA Latin American Students Association. 

After brushing up on your salsa skills and enjoying the guest performers, prepare to hit the dance floor as the Pablo Mendez Latin Band kicks off the real party.

UCLA sophomore Michele Davis attended the event last year and plans to return this year.  

"Salsa is a really fun style of dance that allows you to combine grace, elegance and silliness. It's a great outlet during midterms!" she says. 

Last year over 300 people filled Ackerman Grand Ballroom for the occasion. Doors are open to the public, and the event often attracts many great community salsa dancers, students, faculty and alumni. 

Davis reccommends that everyone give salsa a try. 

"Dancing is a great way to learn about and experience Latin culture. Everyone should consider going, even if they don't know anything about dance because it's a great way to make new friends, have a good time, and learn a new skill." 

The 5th Annual Spring Salsa Party takes place Monday, April 23 in the UCLA Ackerman Grand Ballroom. 7:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Admission is free but donations are welcome. For more information, contact the UCLA Ballroom Dance Club and International Folk Dance Club at (619) 414-4161 or ballroom@ucla.edu.