There’s so much that goes behind CSUN Salsa Libre that students may not notice. They see what goes on at practice and performances, but there is a whole lot that goes outside of that.
Salsa Libre has been at CSUN since 2007 and allows students to dance Salsa and Bachata. Salsa Libre is a sports club that accepts students with no previous knowledge of how to dance. Not only can they perform, but they can also compete. Students learn different dance steps and choreography to compete in performances and at collegiate competitions.
Salsa Libre President Yesenia Echaves hopes to rebuild the club on campus and create that social life with the help of her board members.
Echaves joined Salsa Libre as a member of the fall 2025 semester after discovering the club at Bienvenida. She always loved dancing but never got the chance to learn salsa and bachata. She initially thought she would just be a member, but ended up becoming more involved.
“Seeing our members happy and seeing them fall in love with the club and actually feel like this is truly a family, where we all hang out outside of practices and we talk to each other personally, rather than just seeing each other Tuesdays and Thursdays, is what motivates me,” Echaves said.
Echaves also explained that much of her role as president happens behind the scenes.
“I basically handle everything in the background: handle emails, hiring coaches and guest coaches,” Echaves said. “I am also the main communicator between our sports club. I make sure that our funding is secured. I reserve the rooms.”
Eduardo Garcia, a CSUN graduate student, currently serves as the vice president for Salsa Libre. Garcia began dancing with the group back in the fall 2022 semester and presently aids in planning sessions and showing beginners the ropes of salsa. He pointed out that Echaves’ leadership is exceptional, noting her commitment to letting members express their thoughts.
“She prioritizes hearing people and trying to see everybody’s viewpoints. It’s not like, ‘Oh, it is my way or the highway,” Garcia said. “She wants everybody to feel included and feel like they can come to her.”
Garcia also noted that Echaves’ work often goes unnoticed, especially the time she puts in outside of practices.
“The number one thing I feel like students may not see is how much work or time she actually invests behind the scenes,” Garcia said.
Salsa Libre has also used social media to reach students and rebuild its campus presence. Their Instagram account has grown to more than 1,400 followers, giving the club another way to promote practices, performances and other activities. Echaves said Salsa Libre has around 40 active members, with up to 160 students interested in joining the club.
Echaves said Salsa Libre plans to return to collegiate competition in spring 2027.
“The College Weekender, you’re going against different colleges like Irvine, USC, San Luis Obispo,” Echaves said. “That is where all the college clubs come together and we compete.”
Salsa Libre’s promotional video also highlights the club’s connection with former members. Former President Guadalupe Sanchez said alumni continue to stay involved and support the organization
“We have a strong number of alumni that love to network with us, that love to help us out.” Sanchez said.
Julia Mussey, a public health sophomore representing Salsa Libre, is in her second year with the club and was previously the secretary. Mussey said that Salsa Libre helped her connect with others who have different backgrounds. Something that she can use to help others connect is dancing.
“I’ve learned that no matter someone’s background, their major, where they grew up, we all have so much in common,” Mussey said. “Dance is a universal language, and I think we can all have the potential to speak that language.”
Mussey said the club has also helped her become more open and step outside of her comfort zone.
Salsa Libre is also preparing for its 20th anniversary in 2027, with Echaves saying the club is considering a social event to mark the milestone.
As Salsa Libre continues rebuilding its presence at CSUN, Echaves hopes the club can grow while giving students a place to learn, perform and connect through dance. For her, the goal is not only to lead the organization, but to help members feel like they belong.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this article displayed an incorrect spelling of Blanca Roque’s last name in the photo caption. This issue was fixed on Oct. 13, 2026.
