Movement travelled through the air last Monday in honor of Latin Heritage Month.
The Latin American Program (LAP) at New Mexico State University hosted an interactive gathering focused on student connection and community engagement through hands-on activities, including unique forms of nonverbal communication such as movement exercises and silent dances.
The Power of Performance, held on Sept. 22 at 12 p.m. in Corbett Auditorium, was led by Program Director Paola Ramirez, an educator with over 15 years of experience dedicated to creating spaces where participants can connect, grow, and share experiences.
The Power of Performance invited students and community members to explore identity and communication through embodied performance. Ramirez emphasized the importance of meaningful human connection.
“The most important thing is connection,” Ramirez said during a movement exercise. “We are here to connect, to feel, and bond together.”
Participants engaged in a unique face-to-face movement activity designed to foster trust and nonverbal communication. One of these activities was named a “trust practice,” where they explored building presence and connection without relying on words.
The exercise involved pairs standing face-to-face, gently touching hands, and leaning into one another— taking the pressure off themselves and placing trust in their partner. This interaction created a shared emotional space where each person could feel the connection of the other without speaking.
“I really felt a break in connection. I felt the room shift,” participant Joseph Sanchez shared.
Rosa Salseda, another participant, reflected on how the experience pushed her outside her comfort zone. With a background in cheerleading and theater, she felt used to being seen and performing.
“Being on the other side and seeing someone else, it was surprisingly uncomfortable and nerve-racking,” Salseda said.
The exercise revealed a new kind of vulnerability even for those accustomed to being in the spotlight.
The Latin American Program welcomes all students interested in building community, sharing culture, and learning together. While it has historically served Latinx, Hispanic, and Chicanx students, Ramirez emphasized the program is inclusive and open to everyone at NMSU and in the broader community.
“Our goal is to promote student success through education and cultural literacy,” Ramirez said. “We strive to create a sense of belonging by using students’ lived experiences as the foundation for university culture and policy.”
Rick Marlatt, Dean of NMSU’s College of Health, Education, and Social Transformation, also participated in the event.
“I feel like I’m performing all the time, all day. But today I realized I should be more present,” Marlatt said. “Everything feels transactional and non-authentic—just going through the motions. This exercise forced us to unmask and be free, to be unconditional and genuine.”
LAP continues to promote equity and inclusion through educational initiatives, research, and partnerships similar to events like this.
This program is a part of a broader mission to bring light to Hispanic and Latin American traditions, histories, and voices at NMSU and in the community.
“I hadn’t been out lately, and when I saw the promotion for this, I thought it was a cool way to grow with this community and meet people. And I definitely feel like I did that today,” student Angela Gonzalez said.
