Rachel Carlino and her boyfriend, Josue Ordaz, are the founders of Havana Nines Productions, a nightlife entertainment group promoting greater self-esteem among Hispanics in the Baton Rouge.
“We want to give Latin musicians and dancers a chance to perform in the community,” said Carlino.
Havana Nines hosts Latin nights every Sunday at the Station Sports Bar and Grill where Carlino and other professionals teach beginner salsa, bachata, and merengue lessons.
“Some people just don’t know how to dance, but they still want to be involved in the culture so it’s important to give them a foundation for salsa and other types of dancing,” said Carlino.
She also merges her culture in the TWELVE Zumba classes she teaches each week.
Carlino said it’s important to take pride in our roots so that we can pass them down to the next generation.
 “When I’m 60 years old, I know I’m gonna be that old lady at the club still dancing,” said Carlino.
Havana Nines Productions has plans to bring well-known Latino artists to Baton Rouge, but until then, they will be hosting Cuban Fire this Friday night at the Varsity Theatre.