The Latin American Studies Welcome Reception

Students, faculty and staff at George Mason University kick off the semester with some Latin American culture and fun

The reception started off with a Latin jazz performance by Mason alumni Ben Jackson and Christian Perez, followed by a performance of classic music by Igor Sarmientos and Kim Eloshway. Global affairs student Brandon Juarez enlightened the group about the art form know asalfombras (carpets), made of flower petals or sawdust from Guatemala. Azúcar GMU Salsa club demonstrated Miami style salsa in rueda form and led a brief lesson afterwards. The reception finished off with a performance by a group of Bolivian children from the dance troupe Pachamama; their fusion of contemporary pop and traditional Bolivian music revealed the mixing of cultures among immigrants in the US. It was a wonderful way to start the semester! Some photos below document the time!


 

Ben and Christian

 


Igor and Kim

 


Brandon

 


Azucar GMU Salsa Club

 

Pachamama

 


The crowd!

 


More of the crowd!