Nov. 25th was the 24th annual After School Dance Fund (ASDF) Baila4Life Latin Dance Competition. Different schools around the county performed various dances such as the cha-cha, merengue, bachata, and salsa at The Music Center at Strathmore. The night ended with parent-student performances and group dances. The dancers were judged based on their skills, creativity, and teamwork.
During the event, special awards were given to community leaders who contributed to making the event go smoothly. Rosa Isabel Mensah, the principal of Rolling Terrace Elementary School in (insert town name), received the Administrator Award. Grace Rivera-Oven, the Board of Education Member for District 1, was honored with the Dr. Judy Docca Public Service Award. Lastly, Isabel Argoti, the Titanes Salseros alumna, was given the Trawick Inspiration Award. These leaders help make the event possible and inspire dancers around the county to follow their dreams.
Gaithersburg High School won the cha-cha, merengue, salsa, and best-in-show awards. The Jack & Jill, a dance done with partners or couples, was won by Gaithersburg High School and Seneca Valley High School. Clarksburg High School won the bachata. Quince Orchard High School won the Parent-Student dance.
MCPS students, families, and employees came together to support this event. With every seat taken, Strathmore was filled with excited faces and cheering. These Latin dance teams put all their effort into being their best and celebrating cultural expression through the dances. The passion for these young dances has created an inspiring environment for the audience.
