Latin Dance on Campus
The connection between AUB and Latin American culture is not a recent phenomenon but rather one that has echoed across the University’s history. Early traces of this engagement can be found in al-Kulliyah Magazine, the alumni publication, which in 1933 reported on the popularity of the Brazilian dance Carioca among students. At a time when cultural trends from around the world were beginning to circulate more widely, the embrace of Carioca on campus reflected AUB’s openness to global influences and the enthusiasm of its students for participating in international cultural currents.
This early fascination with Latin American traditions did not fade with time. Decades later, the University continued to host activities that celebrated the vibrancy and diversity of the region. In 2008, in collaboration with the Brazilian Embassy, AUB organized a Brazilian dance workshop that introduced students and community members to the expressive rhythms and movements characteristic of Brazil’s dance heritage.
The following year, the Beirut International Tango Festival brought the passion and elegance of Argentine tango to the campus and to the broader city, further affirming AUB’s role as a hub for cultural exchange. Together, these examples underscore the enduring presence of Latin American culture at AUB and its ability to inspire curiosity, creativity, and cross-cultural dialogue across generations. From the joyful embrace of Carioca in the 1930s to the elegance of tango in the twenty-first century, Latin American traditions have left a meaningful imprint on campus life, enriching the University’s diverse cultural landscape.