I thought that would get your attention...
Last night was my first time...in a Latin club!!!!!! I have to admit, it was not what I expected at all. Even though a an half Latino, I was not raised in my culture, I don't speak the language and have only a couple of Hispanic friends. The occation to expieriance this culture came in the form of my coworkers 26th birthday party last night, held at Mango's, a totally Latin club here in OKC. I was to be the "special surprize guest" making an apperance on the dance floor after midnight~to say i was aprehencive would cover it. Our host Josh did set up a space for my entourage (I always wanted to have one) to store my suit in....hes a regular, and assured us it was going to be fine....but try explaining to the security and the club managment about an Adult size Coyote suit your bringing into there establishment~ as soon as the manager began to smile we we're in, no problems at all. Inside the club was your typical nightclub scene, or so it seemed on the surface. We made our way through the sparce crowd while hispanic music played...everybody definatly checked us out, especially the 6'2" blond woman in the zebra print mini dress and silver heels~yeah thats how rolls. As soon as we emerged from the dressing room near a dance floor,I began to take in the place. Askari was asked to dance by an nicely dresses older gentleman, she politely declined not knowing the Salsa well enough to keep up with his seasoned feet. This guy was smooth~he soon had a partner and smiled at us while effortlesly showing the younger men how to Salsa with style. This club had a different feel already, it was chill, the young mixed with and respected the older crowd there. Most of the women we're all dressed to impress with short dresses and heels, from there peticures to there flawless make up. The men I noticed we're mostly hispanic, small of stature,well groomed and polite, quietly strolling thru the club. A waitress aproched us with drinks, she said it was compliments of the back bartender...we had made an impression already. The brother of our host arrived first and within five minuites was on the dance floor. Josh followed quickly behind~talk about beloved...wow, this guy really did know everybody. Every person who greeted him either kissed or hugged him. The waitress arrives next with all the shots beer we can handle,all free, glow sticks are distributed and Pittbull is being played...time for Oki. I rolled out of the back room, came down some stairs and the crowd parts~well as much as it could. As soon as i bounce onto the dance floor, the crowd is totally into it, bouncing with me and forming a circle to let me show off...Josh fist pumps his was over and we have the club jumping and chanting Go-Go-Go-Go Oki...yeah~life is good. I pulled a few random people from the crowd, mostly female, and bump and grind with them...I swear I have never seen so many Iphones take pictures at once!!! More than anything, I have a new respect for this culture I was so foreign to. Were I a single Coyote, the Latin club scene would be where I would socialize~its not pretentious or full of loosers. Everybody there was completly nice and ready to party the moment they walked in the door, and the dance floor was full of couples really dancing the whole night. If you get an invite to a Latin club~go...you don't have to speak the language to embrace its energy.