Brandy Muscato watched intently as the two salsa dance teachers spun each other around.

Although she had never practiced salsa dancing before, Muscato and her roommate, no-preference freshman Libby Hingst, partnered up and tried to mimic the teachers’ moves while spinning and laughing.

“I didn’t know it was going to be so easy, but it’s still hard because I’m so uncoordinated,” said Muscato, an environmental studies and applications freshman.

The two girls, as well as dozens of other students, were taking advantage of free dance lessons given by the Native American and Hispanic Business Students group Friday night in the Union Gold Rooms.

The event was an effort to raise awareness of the organization, said finance senior José Torices, external president of the organization.

“We’re just trying to get our name out,” Torices said. “Here, we’re not only showcasing our culture, but also taking the opportunity to socialize.”

The organization also invoked several advertising efforts, including airtime on MSU television and handing out fliers.

“A lot of people don’t know about us,” said general business administration and pre-law sophomore Carolina Abrigo, a member of the organization.

“We help students, whether or not they’re business majors, prepare for job recruiters, résumé workshops and tell them what companies look for. We also do community service.”

Rafael Servin Jr. and his wife, Monica, taught the students salsa and merengue.

“The salsa evolved in New York after it was brought over from Puerto Rico,” Rafael Servin said. “The merengue is from the Dominican Republic, and it has more of a hip-hop beat.”

After the lessons, the organization hosted a dance to showcase the participants’ newly-learned skills.

“We play hard, but we work hard. That’s our philosophy,” Torices said.