ST. LOUIS — It is Hispanic Heritage Month and we're featuring 'Latinos in the Lou' who are making an impact in our community.
5 On Your Side features Alma de Mexico St. Louis, a Mexican dance group in St. Louis that has been sharing its cultural heritage through every step for nearly two decades.
With each stomp and every spin, their dances tell a story.
"It's a part of our culture, it's a part of our roots," said group coordinator Gabriela Cornelius.
Alma de Mexico, which means soul of Mexico in Spanish, was founded by Octavio Nieto.
It was created to promote Mexican culture, one that Nieto is proud of.
"My grandmother was a pioneer in folkloric dance, so it was in the family. Ever since I remember, I was dancing folkloric Mexican dance," he shared.
A dance career followed, as he traveled to the United States and performed in different states.
He finally landed in St. Louis in 1997.
"I came to the St. Louis Ballet and performed with the professional company in St. Louis," Nieto noted.
Then, Nieto created Alma de Mexico, teaching thousands. He also teaches at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School.
His passion led to his profession.
Nieto explained, "It's like love. You love yourself but you want to share, that's when love happens. It's something you pass on, so it's like I'm passing on the torch."
By his side is dance member Gabriela Cornelius.
"When I dance, I'm free, I'm expressing myself. I'm happy," she shared.
Her family moved to St. Louis in 1988. Her aunt was already living in St. Louis.
"She got here in the 1970s and they opened up a Mexican restaurant, I believe the second Mexican restaurant in St. Louis, called Pueblo Nuevo," Cornelius added.
She talked about her experience arriving to the Midwest.
"There was no Hispanic at all, very few. I was like the second Latina in the high school," Cornelius said.
Soon, she'd find a home.
"In 2013, I created Mexicanos in St. Louis to promote Mexican culture and give back to the community and teach our roots," she added.
Mexicanos in St. Louis is the nonprofit started by the dance group Alma de Mexico.
It's a chance to wear their colors proudly.
Cornelius explained their outfits, the colors and various steps represent different parts of Mexico.
While their fast footwork spreads across the floor, it's more than the moves.
Nieto added, "You have to put your heart and soul, which is Alma de Mexico, you have to put your soul to make the dance come to life!"
With each quick kick, this is an opportunity for a step forward.
"We're here to work and to showcase our cultures and to collaborate," Cornelius shared.
Nieto told 5 On Your Side the joy Hispanic Heritage month brings.
"(It's) a burst of energy for us Latinos, it's like, 'Hey we're here, we exist and we want to contribute,'" he said.
While they twirl to tell a tale, their best story comes from within.
"It's like air you breathe, you exhale, it keeps coming. There is nothing else but dance," he shared.
On Saturdays, the group offers classes for little kids, intermediate and adult beginners.
For more information, click here.