Mundelein High School’s Puertas Latin Culture Club and the Student Leadership Organization will host El Baile, Mundelein’s first Latin Dance Saturday, March 17 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Main Gym. Tickets are on sale beginning Thursday, March 1 in the MHS Bookstore for $5. The dance will feature various types of Latin music such as Cumbia, Bachata, Banda and others.

To help those not familiar with Latin Dance, two workshops will be held to give instruction in the basic steps to these dances. The free workshops will take place Tuesday, March 6 and Wednesday, March 7 at 3:30 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria. “Students may attend one or both of the workshops but neither is required. It is an option for students to learn or practice basic steps so they feel more confident dancing at the actual dance,” said Laura Garcia, co-sponsor of the event.

“The purpose of this dance is to celebrate Latin culture, to give students who are less involved a feeling of connection at school and for students who are unfamiliar with Latin culture to help broaden their horizons and hopefully build more empathy across cultures,” said Carsyn Rodriguez, co-sponsor. “Also – dancing is fun!”

“This dance is open to all students. We hope to help bridge the gap between our Latino and non-Latino students and this is a great event that all students can get involved with,” Garcia concluded.