For the 23rd year, dozens of energetic high school dancers took the stage at the Music Center at Strathmore to represent their schools at the Latin Dance Competition on Nov. 21.
MCPS students, families and community members packed the theater to cheer for their favorites and celebrate Hispanic heritage. The event was organized by the After School Dance Fund, which works to build strong Latin dance clubs in MCPS and to support the academic and social-emotional success of students.
Students from 16 high schools participated–Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Clarksburg, Damascus, Albert Einstein, Gaithersburg, Walter Johnson, Northwest, Northwood, Paint Branch (first-time participants), Quince Orchard, Rockville, Seneca Valley, Sherwood, Springbrook, Watkins Mill and Wheaton. The winners in each category are listed below:
Junior Division
Cha-cha
1st Seneca Valley, Sensacion
2nd, Wheaton, Corazon Latino
Merengue
1st, Seneca Valley, Sensacion
2nd, Rockville, Ritmo
3rd, Paint Branch, Panteros Bailadores
Bachata
1st, Seneca Valley, Sensacion
2nd, Walter Johnson, Pasion Latino
3rd, Paint Branch, Panteros Bailadores
Salsa
1st, Seneca Valley, Sensacion
2nd, Walter Johnson, Pasion Latino
3rd, Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Ritmo Latino
Jack and Jill
Bethesda-Chevy Chase and Springbrook
Parent/Student
1st, Seneca Valley, Sensacion
2nd, Rockville, Ritmo
3rd, Walter Johnson, Pasion Latino
Best in Show
1st, Seneca Valley, Sensacion
2nd, Rockville, Ritmo
3rd, Paint Branch, Panteros Bailadores
Senior Division
Cha-cha
1st, Gaithersburg, Sabor Latino
2nd, Quince Orchard, Juntos
3rd, Einstein, Titanes Salseros
Merengue
1st, Watkins Mill, OLAS
2nd, Gaithersburg, Sabor Latino
3rd, Clarksburg, Xtreme
Bachata
1st, Gaithersburg, Sabor Latino
2nd, Clarksburg, Xtreme
3rd, Einstein, Titanes Salseros
Salsa
1st, Einstein, Titanes Salseros
2nd, Gaithersburg, Sabor Latino
3rd, Clarksburg, Xtreme
Jack and Jill
Einstein and Gaithersburg
Parent/Student
1st, Einstein, Titanes Salseros
2nd, Clarksburg, Xtreme
3rd, Gaithersburg, Sabor Latino
Best in Show
1st, Gaithersburg, Sabor Latino
2nd, Einstein, Titanes Salseros
3rd, Clarksburg, Xtreme
Three program supporters also received community engagement awards:
- Jorge and Jose Galvan, MCPS alumni, received the Trawick Inspiration Award.
- Vilma C. Najera, principal at Watkins Mill High School, was given the Administrator Award for her support of the school’s Latin dance team.
- Karla Silvestre, Montgomery County Board of Education President, received the Public Service Award.
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FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you’re an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
