On February 3, Hauppauge High School welcomed guest artist Maria Loreta of the Sol y Sombra Spanish Dance Company for a two-day visit with students in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Dance program.
During her time at the school, Loreta introduced students to a variety of Latin and Spanish dance forms, including Flamenco, bachata, merengue, and salsa. In addition to learning foundational movements and performance techniques, students also explored the cultural and historical origins of each style — an essential component of the IB Dance curriculum, which challenges students to engage with unfamiliar forms of dance and investigate the traditions and communities from which they emerge.
Sol y Sombra Spanish Dance Company has spent more than 30 years promoting the vibrant art of Spanish and Latin music, song, and dance throughout the New York metropolitan region and beyond. Under Loreta’s artistic direction, the company presents programs featuring Flamenco, Spanish classical and folk dance, Mexican dance traditions, Argentine tango, and other cultural styles from across the Hispanic and Latin world. Its performers are recognized professionals who have appeared on stages nationally and internationally.
For Hauppauge’s IB Dance students, the experience provided more than a master class — it was an immersive cultural opportunity. By learning directly from a working artist, students gained a deeper appreciation for the connection between movement, history, and identity, bringing classroom study to life in a meaningful and memorable way.