Otro Sur, the College of Charleston’s student ensemble dedicated to performing folk and popular music from across Latin America, typically presents a traditionally staged concert each semester to a seated audience. This fall, however, the group will perform in a dance hall setting, giving audience members space to move.
“It’s always a pleasure to play for respectful, attentive audiences in a concert setting,” said Michael O’Brien, the ensemble’s director. “But a lot of the music we play wasn’t intended to be heard like that. It was meant to get people up and dancing! We wanted to build a concert that gives student musicians and audiences alike the excitement of live musicians and dancers reacting to each other. This is accessible, fun music that creates a sense of togetherness and community.”
The concert will feature three beloved genres of dance music: Dominican merengue, Brazilian forró, and cumbia—a style that originated in Colombia and inspired local variants from Mexico to Argentina.
“I chose to focus on these genres not just because they’re fun to play, but because they’re easy to learn to dance,” O’Brien explained. “You don’t need years of classes or dozens of fancy steps to join in. A five-minute crash course is all you need to have fun dancing all night. That’s exactly how I learned!”
For audience members seeking a bit more guidance, dance teacher Omar Valencia will offer a beginner’s dance class at 3 p.m., followed by the concert at 4 p.m.
“We aim to be as inclusive as possible,” O’Brien added. “I hope folks will come out and try a few new steps—but nobody will be forced. There will be chairs for the timid or the tired.”
Details:
- ¡A Bailar! – A concert of Latin American dance music by Otro Sur (CofC Latin American Ensemble)
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
- Dance lesson: 3 p.m. | Concert: 4 p.m.
- Location: Gage Hall, 4 Archdale St., Charleston, SC 29401
- Suggested goodwill donation: $5 students / $10 general