“I remember when the crowed was about to judge us by clapping. I was so nervous, hoping that they liked how we danced,” said senior Juan Martinez.

The music “Tribal” became popular in a blink of an eye.  The music comes from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico by three teenagers and DJ Otto.  They put in all types of Latin music, back to a traditional Hispanic dance, “Danza Azteca,” adding a mix of Colombian style of music.

This type of music went international and came to Northwest Arkansas.  At the Civic Center in Springdale and the Padrissimo in Tontitown, Martinez, Nestor Orduna, Maritza and Deny Ledezma competed in the group competition and senior Brenda Bernal competed in the individual Tribal dance.

Bernal has been dancing for two years.  Despite her shyness, she competed and won first place, winning $300 at the Civic Center.

“My friend, the security guard, told me they are going to have a competition.  I didn’t know they were till that moment. I was like $300…hmm, okay, and I did it,” she said.  “I don’t know why, but I love dancing in front of people. It was a pretty experience, but I don’t plan to do it again.”

“Los Plebes,” a group consisting of Martinez, Orduna, and the Ledezma twins.  They have competed four times.  The first time they competed they won $300 as a team.  The second time they won $1,000.

“I started dancing to this music because the beat is just catchy, and I really enjoy it,” said Martinez.

This competition depends on choreography, on how they match and look together as a team, and most importantly how they dance.  Bernal taught them some moves, but Martinez has a been dancing for two years.  He started in Texas.

At The Metroplex in Rogers, they competed for the first time, and they will open the next three competitions April 21, 28-29.