Latino dancers take first at ECC show

Reflejo Latino Dance Group won first place at the Elgin Community College's "ECC Got Talent" show on Oct. 5. Reflejo Latino won a trophy and $500.

The Elgin group competed against 29 other individuals or groups including singers, comedians, actors and other dancers of all cultures and different ages.

The group was founded in Elgin in 2005 by Rosa Salazar, now president and director, and Eric Hernandez, artistic director. Since 2005, it has participated in more than 60 events in the Chicago suburbs and has taught many students of different nationalities -- from Mexican, Puerto Rican and Colombian to African-American, American, Asian and European -- to dance to various Latin rhythms, including cumbia, bachata, salsa, merengue, reggeaton, hip-hop, mambo, and tango.

Reflejo Latino Dance Group is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and educate about the beauty of the Latin culture and traditions through the art of dancing. Its goal is to be active members of Elgin and other area communities by performing, teaching dance lessons and participating in community events of all cultures, such as schools, parades, fundraisers, campaigns, parties, restaurants, clubs, expos and more, as well as to teach students self-confidence and the importance of community involvement.

Reflejo Latino Dance Group has been especially proud of those students who have continued their dancing career and who have become good citizens within the community.

Reflejo Latino is also an Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce member and receives sponsorship and support from: Bonanza Realty and Federico Romero, American Family Insurance and Javier Montoya, Haas Engraving Solutions, Azteca de Oro Restaurant, La Locura Entertainment and Lalo Vieyra, Sonido Mexicali and Tony Chavez, Somos Colombia and Carmen Berrio, and many more.

The group welcomes new members. For more information, call (847) 452-0277 or e-mail reflejolatino@hotmail.com.