Whether it is during Latino Heat practices, boxing matches, or ballroom dance sessions, senior Patrick Narvaez is described as a blend of grace and determination, senior Alli Palencia, Latino Heat Dancer, said.
Before Latino Heat, Narvaez’s dance career began with ballroom dancing. Narvaez developed his passion for ballroom dance from watching various dance-centered TV shows such as Dancing With The Stars. When Narvaez began training in Latin ballroom dancing and waltzing at seven-years old, he quickly realized that the professionals on television make dancing seem much easier than it is. After beginning his career in partner-dancing Narvaez decided to move to a student mentorship program sponsored by the Chicago Harvest Moon Ball, where he taught students, Narvaez said.
“Seeing dancers try something new and being able to give that experience to them brings me joy,” Narvaez said. “Seeing them grow into a confident person was something special to me.”
His freshmen year, Narvaez decided to pursue Latino Heat at South. When he joined the team, Narvaez seemed like the calm and quiet type, Veronica Marban, Latino Heat Sponsor, said. When interviewing him for the position of captain, Marban noticed that Narvaez was one of a kind.
“Narvaez had great ideas that he wanted to bring to the table,” Marban said. “He showed that he is a good team player and was is willing to take the lead. Also, culture wise, the team was very happy that he brings something different to the table and he made it shine”
Craving a new thrill, Narvaez decided to try boxing his sophomore year.
“In boxing, I gained the opportunity to be a student,” Narvaez said.
“I learned that mistakes are not something to dwell over—they are part of the process of getting better.”
Narvaez used his knowledge of styles and skills that he had learned from his experience in ballroom dancing and boxing to represent more Latino culture in Latino Heat, Narvaez said.
“I understand it is my responsibility to commit to my roles as a teacher, captain, and student, because a lot of people are giving up their time to teach me or for me to teach them,” Narvaez said.
