At last week’s all school meeting, Fraynette Familia ’16, Mirialie Dejesus ’18, Spencer Jimenez ’18, and Simon Jimenez ’18, members of Hispanic-Latino Forum (HLF), danced the merengue for the entire Choate community and received a standing ovation for their performance. The students wanted to educate the school about their culture during National Hispanic Heritage Month, which began on September 15 and ended on October 15. Fraynette Familia ’16, one of HLF’s presidents, knew that “a simple announcement would not make a lasting impression.” Thus, the idea for the performance was born.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is not talked about; culture like this isn’t represented as much as I believe it should be,” Familia explained. When asked why she felt the merengue was the best means of communicating with the school, she replied, “It encompasses the music and dance style, so it’s a good handful of culture.”
Though the merengue is considered the national dance of the Dominican Republic, it is also popular throughout the Caribbean and South America. The merengue, as well as the salsa and the bachata, are the signature dance styles of Hispanic culture. Dejesus explained, “I grew up learning how to dance like this. I grew up dancing at family gatherings. Thanksgiving, Christmas, there’s always dancing. It’s a big part of who we are.” Dejesus added, “We really wanted to get the word out about Hispanic Heritage Month, as well as HLF. We thought that this dance was a great way to do it, because who doesn’t like dancing and music? Especially a dance as upbeat as the merengue!”
HLF’s merengue at school meeting was certainly a success. The dancers were surprising and engaging, and the performance promoted Hispanic culture and sparked interest among the student body. “People are coming up to me and asking about it,” Familia noted. “That’s what I wanted!”
Familia describes HLF as “a second home to Hispanic and Latino students and a safe place for people outside of that circle to come learn about the culture without feeling like they are intruding.” Dancing is just one of many ways to learn about and celebrate Hispanic culture. Keep an eye out for more of HLF’s influences and initiatives around campus this year; if they’re anything like the performance at school meeting, you won’t want to miss out!
