It’s no surprise that the “loca” in Salsa Loca Club means “crazy” in Spanish. Those who attend are crazy about dancing at the club.

Since April, members have been meeting in the Redwood Room to not only learn salsa, but also the dance styles of cha-cha and meringue from three Sacramento State student instructors.

“It provides relaxation for those who attend, and it gives them the opportunity to learn without the nightclub environment,” Felix Barba said.

Barba, Associated Students Inc. director of Arts and Letters, along with other students, established the club after being inspired by ballroom dance classes offered at Sac State.

“We provide a welcoming atmosphere, and the only thing that matters is that the people who come have fun,” he said.

Brian Powell, mechanical engineering major, has attended the class several times.

“I’m progressing every time I come and constantly learning more moves,” he said. “I’m becoming more fluent with the motions.”

The dance lesson is offered in the first hour the club meets and for the remaining three hours, couples are free to dance, as instructors weave through the crowd offering assistance.

“It’s a great way to mingle and get the chance to meet new people,” Barba said.

Manal Belmamoun, senior computer engineering major, said he enjoys his experience at the Salsa Loca Club.

“I’m trying to get back into dancing after stopping for three years. This club provides good music, friendly people and the fact that it’s on campus is good,” Belmamoun said.

The next lesson and dance will take place from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Nov. 14 in the Redwood Room.

Jose Martinez can be reached at [email protected].