By Kimberly Prather, Student Reporter

Now there is a place where those who enjoy Latin dancing can put their skills to the test with Milango, ACU’s newest cultural dance group. Milango has been a work in progress throughout the past two years, and this is the first year students can get involved.

Darrien Grays, junior business major from San Antonio, leads classes in the atrium of the Williams Performing Arts Center every Monday. The class is broken into two groups: beginners and core. Grays encourages those who have no training to give it a try.

“If you have two left feet, it is even better,” said Grays.

The purpose of the group is to reach those who have an interest in the Latin dance world but don’t know where to get started.

“Milango wants to promote a better understanding of Latin culture though dance,” Grays said.

Milango is different because it is structured dance.

“It is a fun way to break down barriers and interact with different people,” Grays said. Stephanie Robles, junior psychology major from Mesquite and vice president of Milango, also helps teach the class on Mondays.

“The plans for this year are to gain new members and help them advance in learning salsa. We want Milango to be well known around campus so that it continues to grow and be taken seriously as an organization,” Robles said.

Milango is planning two salsa retreats for the year – one to Dallas and the other to San Antonio. These trips are to enhance the group’s cultural studies and Latin history.

Milango welcomes anybody to come and be a part of the group. They especially encourage more guys.

“Salsa is a guys-led dance whose purpose is to make the girls look good,” Grays said. Milango faculty sponsor

Laura Dillman, exercise science and health professor, said Milango is a fun and terrific way to get fit and promote lifestyle wellness.

“This is not the standard way, but its something that can be done now and later,” Dillman said.

For more information about Milango, contact Grays at dmg04a@acu.edu.