Watkins Mill High School’s Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) Latin Dance Club competed in the Senior Division, where they won first place for Couples Merengue and second place for Couples Cha Cha.
The Baila4Life Latin Dance Competition, Senior Division, took place on November 24, 2025, at Strathmore Concert Hall.
The competition featured high school Latin dance teams showcasing traditional dances such as the Cha Cha, Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, Couples/Duets, Parent/Student performances, and a Best in Show category. This competition started in 2010 to give students a space to express themselves through Latin dance.
“I’m just so passionate about it, and I’m just so thankful for the team,” says Mileny Ayala, one of the winners of the Couples Merengue.
This year, eight Latin dance teams from Montgomery County competed in the Senior Division. Twelve other schools will join the Junior category in February at the same venue.
The event began at 7 pm with a welcoming speech by Ariel Ruiz, Board President of the After School Dance Fund. Raul Santiago, Latin Dance Legacy Award Winner, performed to open the show. Each school performed its unique dance routine to the same song for a set time, with a 10-minute intermission halfway through. The event concluded with the Parent/Student duet and the Best in Show, whole-team performance.
“[OLAS] It is a family … we are all from the Latin community… we all share the passion for dance, and it is always a fun time with them,” says Senior Andrew Ramos Diaz
Principal Najera also won an award at this event for her dedication to supporting students’ passion for dance.
“I’m so unbelievably proud! Last night’s win goes far beyond trophies…it reflects the love, the dedication, the hard work, and most importantly, the family we’ve become,” says Coach Selma.
