By Rylie Parkins/ne news editor

The Organization of Latin American Students will offer Zumba dance lessons on NE Campus, April 23, 12:30-1:30 p.m. in NSTU 1615A.

Zumba, a new exercise, combines rhythm, meringue, salsa, flamenco and African dancing as well as aerobics.

Blanca Leticia Pizana de Esparza, OLAS advisor and sociology instructor, encourages all students, guests and faculty members to attend.

“I want students to be able to get together with their friends to have fun before finals,” she said. “This event is a great opportunity to meet new friends and to develop new networks.”

Pizana de Esparza is also hoping the Zumba lessons will raise awareness for OLAS.

“I’m looking to increase membership by giving students the opportunity to learn about other cultures,” she said. “Through OLAS, I’m hoping to create new clubs and involve new students.”

Pizana de Esparza also encourages faculty involvement at this event. She thinks it will be a good way for professors to spend time with their students and relate to them in a non-classroom setting. It will also be a good way for them to have fun, relieve stress and exercise, she said.

The Zumba instructors are Dara Toney and Pat Huizar. The cost for the lessons is $3 a person and $5 for two people. Admission should be paid at the time of the event in the NSTU Center Corner.

All money from the Zumba dance will be used to create a scholarship for a TCC student.

For more information on this event or other OLAS events, call Pizana de Esparza at 817-515-6039.