Students celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month through dance, community

Held annually from September 15 to October 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month honors the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans and celebrates heritage rooted in Latin American countries.

Grand Valley's Office of Multicultural Affairs hosts an extended celebration with events through November 1. Students from Monarcas, a ballet folklorico dance group, shared what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them, and how they celebrate their heritage all year long.

Lucero Arizaga, a junior studying legal studies, had the idea to start the club during her first year at GVSU. "I was unsure if I could do it," she said. "I asked some people around me and it seemed like others also wanted a folklorico group. I decided that I would do my best to make it happen."

Arizaga overcame her initial hesitations and successfully started Monarcas to showcase and appreciate Mexican culture. The student organization now has 24 members.

The most important aspect of the group isn't the colorful outfits or high-energy dance performances. Rather, Monarcas members say it is the community and cultural celebration that takes place when they are together.

"People attend because they enjoy being a part of Monarcas," sophomore Giselle Torres said. "While we take things seriously, we're often having fun and laughing during practices."