DANCE

ESPN Salsa Champions Thursday Feb 19 Hoogland Center for the Arts 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523-2787 7pm $10

Salsa Lessons and Presentation Thursday Feb 19 Student Union, Menard Hall Lincoln Land Community College 5250 Shepherd Rd. 217-786-2218 1-2pm $2 donation

Salsa dancers

The salsa is rooted in Africa. Its home is in Puerto Rico, but it rose to popularity in New York City. This evening, three-time ESPN Salsa Champions Abel Pena and Zulmara Torres are bringing the passion and moves of the salsa to Springfield. Performing the routine that won them the 2005 Championship, the duo is sure to set the dance floor on fire. Thursday afternoon, the dancers will give salsa lessons and provide information on the African roots of salsa at Lincoln Land Community College. Julio Barrenzuela, Springfield’s salsa ambassador, organized the event in an effort to promote education, health and cultural awareness.