Wilmington Latin Dance students practice salsa dancing in May at The Studio Collective, 5629 Oleander Drive in Wilmington.

The Studio Collective, which is owned by Wilmington Latin Dance founder Summer McPherson, is a 2,000-square-foot venue used by Wilmington Latin Dance and others in need of space, including dance fitness classes, social dance events and theater groups.

“I think the vibrant energy and the joy of the movements and the music, as well as the social connection, are a big draw to why people want to learn it and why they enjoy it,” she said.

The social events offer a different and fun approach to going out, McPherson said.

She said those who have grown up in the Latin culture are able “to connect with their culture through music and dance and get to meet others and share it that way."