The Wheaton Urban District will conclude its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month on Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Downtown Wheaton with the last in its series of “Dance for Life” events. The series emphasizes “Hispanic Culture through Dance and Music.” The final event, from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15, will have the culture focus of salsa.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and members of the County Council will be special guests and provide remarks on the closing evening of the heritage month.
The Baila4Life events feature live music by local artists, dance lessons and performances by local students. Information will be available on important County resources and programs. The Gilchrist Center will be on site with opportunities for community to receive resource information during the events.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15-Oct. 15 by commemorating the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Montgomery’s Hispanic population is the fastest growing group, almost quadrupling in size since 1990, reaching 217,409 people or 20 percent of the County’s population in 2020. Hispanics became the largest group among people of color in 2010.
The series is a collaboration between the Wheaton Urban District and Baila4Life, After School Dance Fund. The After School Dance Fund is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that brings Latin dance lessons and dance clubs to public schools in Montgomery County and throughout the Washington, D.C. area. The program aims to strengthen the social-emotional development of youth by promoting health, exercise, heritage and unity through Latin dance education.
The format for this week’s event:
- 5 p.m. Music by DJ begins
- 5:30-6 p.m. Free dance lessons begin
- 6-6:30 p.m. Opening remarks from special guests
- 6:30-7 p.m. Community dance competition
- 7-8 p.m. Live music and social dancing fiesta