Tag Archives: Dance

My freshman homecoming experience

By: Seng Nhkum

This year is my first homecoming dance as a freshman in high school, and my first school dance I’ll be attending. I hope it goes well.

First, the hardest part of going to a dance is finding the perfect dress. I had to go to the mall 3 times in order to find a perfect dress! Before they announced the theme ‘Midnight Ball’ for homecoming, I bought this cute hot pink dress for homecoming that fit me perfectly, and then went to the mall 2 more times to finally purchase a lavender sparkly dress which is so pretty.

The homecoming dance was at Highland Park Senior High school in the field house at 7:00-10:00 pm on a Friday. Before that, our school day was shortened by a bit so we could have a pep rally at 2:00-3:00 pm. It was funny, but not when everyone cheered “Go home Freshman”. Like yes, I will gladly go home.

After I got back home at 3:30 I was procrastinating for 30 whole minutes to decide whether I should curl my hair for homecoming or straighten it; I decided to curl it. I finished getting ready, and arrived at the high school at 7:30.

In the field house there was a place where you could take photos, and there they sold snacks and drinks. Also, in the gym was the dancing area and at the time there weren’t that many people in the gym. But oh my, a little later, even more people showed up and the gym was so overstimulating and hot. People were also crowd surfing and throwing themselves back which caused lots of chaos.

At 9:00 it actually got more fun, it felt less awkward, and me and my friends decided to just have fun and sang our hearts out till our voices were gone.

Overall, my first homecoming experience was a 7/10. The best parts were making memories and having fun with my friends, but the worst part was the heat and due to all the jumping my feet hurt so bad. I do recommend you go to homecoming because of the memories and the fun! (just don’t wear high heels for the homecoming dance…)

Fiesta Latina!

By: Chloe Rocha

On April 17th, Union Latina hosted their yearly Fiesta Latina showcase. Fiesta Latina consists of many culturally significant dances performed by the Spanish Immersion classes, grades 10-12. Fiesta Latina does not only have dances however, they also host many other activities such as crowd involvement, singers, and food trucks.

This year there were a total of 8 dances and 4 singers for both the day and night show. All of these performances were done and choreographed by students who attend Highland Park Senior High.

During the day show Jose started off Fiesta Latina with a singing act, but later in the night show he was joined by Sr. Luis. The first 3 dances were performed by Sra. Kellner’s Sophomore classes, and then was followed by a beautiful singing performance done by Amy, who is the secretary of Union Latina.

The next 3 dances were performed by Sra. Nelsons Junior classes. Which was then followed by the president of Union Latina, Kenia, singing a song as well. In between the dances, there was a crowd involvement activity that consisted of trivia questions for students and parents to answer.

After the trivia questions, there were 2 more dances that were performed by Sra. Romero’s senior classes. Each dance that was performed were all different styles of dance.

Being involved with Fiesta Latina is something that is very fun and memorable. In my opinion, Fiesta Latina is always the highlight of the school year for me. I think that it helps bring together the classes and students as one. It is always a lot of fun to learn the dances and dancing with a partner. So far, I have been in 2 of the performances, and hopefully next year we will be able to have another performance as well. The Spanish immersion teachers dedicate a lot of time and effort to help make Fiesta Latina fun and enjoyable for everyone involved. I can’t wait to celebrate another year with my class.

What is ULA planning

By: Nereida Dominguez Remedios

Union Latina is a club where it represents Latin culture and also does fun activities and has fun performances.

Currently Union Latina (ULA) is preparing one of the two events that they host every year called Fiesta Latina.

Fiesta Latina is where grades 10-12 Spanish immersion classes choreograph dances so they can be shown during the last period of the day for students at the high school and some classes from the middle school. They also perform after school for the families and friends of the students, so they can see all the hard work they have done and effort they put into the performance .

Fiesta Latina shows all the different Latin cultures/dances and fun activities that Union Latina does every Wednesday after school.

During clubs/after school the board members give time for students to practice the fun activities and dances that are going to be performed.

Even though Fiesta Latina is a month away, the Spanish teachers are already letting the students choreograph and practice the dances that they are going to perform at the show.

During my experience of practicing, it is stressful but it is also super fun knowing that I’m able to show my culture, and different cultures similar to mine, during practice. I’m also able to see my friends and classmates have fun dancing and see everyone laugh and talk to each other.

During the after school performance there will be food trucks serving the most delicious food, and the performance will be at 5:30. During this time you are able to get your food and be able to get to your seat to watch the performance.

Everyone is welcome to watch the amazing performance Union Latina (ULA) will be presenting!

Fiesta Latina is on: April 17, with performances during 4th period and after school at 5:30.

Sports schedule for: Dec 9-16

ATHLETIC EVENTS SCHEDULE: DECEMBER 9 – DECEMBER 16  
MONDAYDECEMBER 9 
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
5:00pm Girls Basketball vs. CHOFHOME
TUESDAYDECEMBER 10
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
3:45pm2:10pm | 5:15pmNordic Ski Race – SkateElm Creek Park Reserve
B: 4:15pm JV: 4:15pm V: 6:00pm Boys Basketball vs. Rochester STEMHOME
4:30pm Adapted Hockey vs. MinneapolisMinneapolis South High School
JV: 5:00pm V: 7:00pm3:00pm | 9:00pmBoys Hockey vs. Rochester LourdesGraham Arena
WEDNESDAYDECEMBER 11
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
5:00pm Wrestling Triangular vs. CentralHOME
6:00pm Gymnastics vs. JohnsonJohnson High School
6:00pm Girls Basketball vs. Nova ClassicalNova Classical Academy
THURSDAYDECEMBER 12
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
THURSDAYDECEMBER 12  
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
B: 4:15pm JV: 4:15pm V: 6:00pm Boys Basketball vs. Two RiversHOME
JV: 5:00pm V: 7:00pmJV: 3:30pm V: 5:15pm | 9:00pmBoys Hockey vs. MinneapolisParade Ice Garden
FRIDAYDECEMBER 13
FRIDAYDECEMBER 13  
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
B: 4:00pm JV: 5:30pm V: 7:00pm2:45pm | 9:00pmBoys Basketball vs. TartanTartan High School
JV: 4:00pm V: 6:00pm Girls Hockey vs. Hill-MurrayAldrich Arena
5:00pm3:15pm | 7:20pmBoys Swimming Conference PreviewHumboldt High School
SATURDAYDECEMBER 14
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
 8:00am | 5:00pmDance Team InviteOwatonna High School
9:00am6:35am | 4:30pmWrestling InviteMaple Grove High School

Ballet Folklorico

Ballet Folklórico is one of the many ways to express Mexican culture. Ballet Folklórico is a dance that represents all of the regions in Mexico; therefore, it has many different types of dances, clothing, and music within the category. 

These dances were practiced and performed as early as the 17th century and started to become more popular in the 18th century, after the War of Independence. 

The most popular and widely known type of Folklorico is the Folklorico dances of Jalisco. A traditional Folklorico Jalisco dress is made of a fabric called poplin. The colors of the dresses are strong such as red, Mexican pink, and yellow. The shirt part of the dress has sleeves that go up to the elbow. Both the skirt and the dress are decorated with ribbons that match the dress. 

The men wear a typical charro suit which is made up of long tight pants with decorations on the sides. Along with the pants there is a matching jacket and silk tie. They also wear a wide-brimmed hat, or sombrero, with the outfit. 

All Folklorico dances consist of a lot of movement of the whole body. There is a lot of footwork, legwork, use of the torso, and armwork. In many dances the ladies use their skirts with coordination and elegance to produce beautiful waves of color emanating from their dresses.

There are many groups all around the world that teach the wonders of Ballet Folklorico that usually focus on all the different types of dances from all the regions in Mexico. Joining a group allows one to connect with their Mexican culture or learn of Mexican culture, and this makes learning Ballet Folklorico all the more fun.