Few people can watch the fantastic choreography in movies like 2006’s Take the Lead or ABC’s reality show Dancing with the Stars, and not think, “I’d kill to dance like that!” This is usually followed shortly by, “But I don’t have the time” or, “the only people who go to learn are middle-aged couples,” and my personal favorite: “I dance like a drunken chicken.”

However, before you dismiss the opportunity as impossible and chow down on potato chips instead, know there is hope for students who truly have the desire to dance right here on campus with Sacramento State’s Salsa Loca Club.

The club started in April 2007 when a group of students who had been learning ballroom dancing wanted to be taught more specific dances rather than a few steps to many different dances. However, with specialized dance classes targeting college students being almost impossible to find, these students did the next best thing: they started their own class.

“It’s an opportunity to be involved with no strings attached,” senior Felix Barba, Salsa Loca’s club president said. “We tolerate a welcoming environment for everyone.”

And it must be working. Almost a year and a half later, the participation count numbers up to 60 people, who are taught not only the salsa, but a few other Latin dances including the cha-cha and the merengue.

Don’t have any dance experience? Barba said that’s not a problem

“If you can talk, you can sing; if you can walk, you can dance,” Barba said.

The statement has become a kind of unofficial motto for the club. Many of the members had little or no experience before stepping onto the dance floor.

“In my personal experience, I did not know how to dance salsa when the club was founded and now I am one of the salsa instructors,” club treasurer Bernardo Mendoza-Lopez said.

Stanley Sasaki, promotions worker and member of Salsa Loca said he believes students should just try it out.

“I believe that not just students, but anyone in the school should participate in Salsa Loca Club, because it is a great way to meet people, and learn a little bit of dancing never hurt anyone,” Sasaki said.

The club’s first meeting is 7:30 p.m. today in the University Union’s Red Room.

Kyrie Eberhart can be reached at [email protected]