Ten years ago, a group of Temple students began to feel the need to explore their Latino roots. The dance troupe they created, Esencia Latina, still performs traditional and contemporary Latin dance at Temple and around Greater Philadelphia. "We wanted something that would represent the Latino community among students at Temple, something that we could feel proud [of]," said the group's president, Andrew Rosado. "Esencia Latina has taught me to be more confident in what I do and has become a family to me," said Stephanie Velez. "Being part of this group helped me mature in many ways because of the challenges we face as individuals and as an organization. The time I spent with them is something I will always cherish."