‘Arriba’ for Latin carnival

Salsa, Zumba, mariachi and other fun-to-say attractions can be found in Plimmerton this Saturday as St Theresa’s School families and staff unleash their inner Latino.

It is hosting a Salsa Carnival, where regular gala activities will rub shoulders with the more exotic charms.

Ruth Munro and her dance students will perform as Salsa Addiction, Latu Toomaga will run a Zumba demonstration, and Mexican percussionist Carlos Navae will strike a red hot Latin beat with Son Clave. Carnival revellers can expect to be exposed to rumba, cumbia, merengue and cha cha cha.

Carnival co- ordinator Jan Hannon says the school’s annual gala typically takes its lead from the topics students are being taught in the classroom – last year’s had an Irish theme.

The Spanish influence should ensure a bright, colourful affair, with many of the games and food stalls flavoured with Latin spice. Children can win tokens from many of the sideshows which can be exchanged for prizes at a Mexican Arcade.

There will also be a climbing wall, a a fly-around-the-world game that sports a $250 prize, and a healthy selection of raffles and auctions. A kapa haka group and Dancestars performers will also take to the stage.

Money raised will go towards relocating and resourcing the school library.

St Theresa’s Salsa Carnival, 11am to 2pm, March 24, in the school grounds, James Street, Plimmerton.