Latin dance club gets Team Moody moving

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lauren M. Hunter
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Are you stressed out at work or home, looking for creative ways to stay fit or just looking for something new and fun to do?

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Camille Hernandez, 23d Logistics Readiness Squadron traffic management apprentice, is creating a Latin dance club, here, for Moody families to have fun, express themselves and dance their worries away in a high-energy environment.

“It is very important to find people with similar interests in general,” said Hernandez. “It helps time go by and things feel easier. In our work field, it gets stressful, [but] when you find a group of people who love to do the same things as you, then it’s like being at peace.”

As someone who has been dancing since she was three years old, it was Hernandez’s own passion for the sport that led her to search for others who share her urge to dance.

“I wanted to bring my culture to this base, make it more fun and more like home,” said Hernandez. “There are so many benefits that I have gained from dancing and I would love to see other people experience the same thing.”

Some advantages she has experienced include stress relief, improved physical fitness, balance and a boost in confidence, which she would like to pass onto others who join the club.

“Right now, we’re working on individual dances so that dancers can become confident in having their own unique style,” said Hernandez. “I have members make their own six-count or eight-count dance to express their personality and style.”

In addition to the benefits being gained, club members learn a variety of Latin dances including Bachata, Merengue, Kizomba, Cuban Salsa and Columbian Salsa. Hernandez also has plans to expand the dancing styles being taught and possibly host performances in the future.

“Right now, we have social nights where people can come see us dance, or come dance themselves and with their family,” said Hernandez. “However, I’m talking to everyone I can in hopes of eventually hosting a performance where club members can show off everything they have learned.”

The dance club is open to everyone who would like to join and Hernandez encourages Airmen to bring their family and friends who share the passion for dance.

“Everyone is unique,” said 2nd Lt. Simon Pena, 23d Force Support Squadron chief of readiness and plans. “With so many different people on base, there are so many different hobbies. Having clubs such as this provides an outlet for those that share the same passion.”

Whether they’re motivated by their passion, a drive to get fit or unwind, or if someone is just looking for something new and different to do, Hernandez recommends that Moody Airmen and families sign up for the Latin dance club.

For those interested in joining, contact Airman 1st Class Camille Hernandez at (229) 257-3051, or email her at camille.hernandez@us.af.mil.