Café con Leche isn’t just a performance; it’s a homecoming where Vanderbilt’s campus comes alive with colors, rhythms and stories of Latin America. What began in 2009 as a small student-led showcase has transformed into a Nashville tradition celebrating the spirit, joy and connection that Latin dance brings to the Vanderbilt community.
The first Café con Leche featured the theme of “El Wiz” and was born from a desire to connect Vanderbilt students with the wider Nashville Latin community. What began as an opportunity to learn and choreograph Latin dance styles has since evolved into a cornerstone celebration of cultural exchange on campus.
“Originally, Café con Leche started as a way for students to get involved with the Latin community in Nashville to practice and choreograph different styles of Latin dance to then showcase,” Katherine Diaz, one of this year’s Café con Leche chairs, said. “Over the years, Café con Leche has aimed to promote the rich culture and history behind Latin dances, while also providing a fun and structured event that is combined with a cultural dinner and professional dances.”
At its heart, Café con Leche remains rooted in community and celebration. For Marina Moreno, another Café con Leche chair, that spirit of inclusivity defines the event.
“Our mission is to highlight the richness and diversity within Latino cultures, while also giving everyone, no matter their background, a chance to learn, participate and appreciate,” Moreno said. “We hope Café is a space for students to explore who they are, connect with others and take pride in where they come from.”
Over the years, the event has grown both in scale and reach. What once relied on Facebook posts and local newspaper outreach now fills Vanderbilt’s largest performance spaces through word of mouth, social media and community partnerships. Local organizations like Plaza Mariachi and the Global Education Center have long supported the event, connecting the Association of Latin American Students with professional choreographers and artists across Nashville.
Ballet Folklorico, a traditional Mexican dance troupe that has participated in Café con Leche since its early years, has consistently drawn applause.
“It is a fan favorite because of its unique cultural representation of Mexico that it brings to Café con Leche,” Diaz said.
Participation in Café con Leche extends far beyond dancing. Students can choreograph, volunteer or help behind the scenes with logistics, technical aspects and the cultural dinner. On the community side, local choreographers and musicians frequently collaborate to showcase the diversity of Latin performance styles.
This year, the Café con Leche team is looking beyond campus boundaries. For the first time, Café con Leche is opening dances to Lipscomb University and Belmont University — a stride toward expanding the event’s presence in the broader Nashville area.
“It’s our first big step toward expanding Café beyond just Vanderbilt, and it’s all about giving more people the chance to explore Latin dance and connect with a larger community,” Moreno said. “The goal is to keep the same spirit Café has always had, but make it even more inclusive and connected to Nashville as a whole.”
For many, Café con Leche is far more than a single night of performances; rather, it’s the culmination of months of dedication, creativity and collaboration. Dancers and choreographers spend the better part of the year preparing the showcase, balancing hours of rehearsal with the demands of campus life. The final performance reflects countless late nights, teamwork and an unwavering commitment to sharing culture through movement.
Through bright costumes and intricate choreography, Café con Leche tells stories of heritage, pride and community. Each piece on stage represents both artistry and identity, transforming dance into a form of cultural expression. At its core, the event remains a space for connection and celebration. It brings together students from all backgrounds to experience joy, learn from one another and appreciate the diverse traditions that make up the Latin community at Vanderbilt. Tickets are available now for the Nov. 1 showcase and a night you’ll never forget.
