If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community, then you know that events for this slice of the population are very hard to come by in rural Upstate New York and that's why two Oneonta residents who count themselves among that group are determined to bring fun and safe events to the Greater Oneonta LGBTQ+ community.

Olivia Avanzato and Maria Chavez Daza are coordinating a fun Valentine-related event, "Rainbow Salsa" to take place at Foothills Performing Arts Center atrium on Saturday, February 19 starting at 7:00 pm. This event is designed to create an event specifically for LGBTQ+ identifying individuals so they can fully express who they are in a safe place without worrying about traditional gender roles while dancing. Allies are invited as well to this all-inclusive dance.

Tickets are $10 in advance and you can get them on eventbrite.com, but they are also available at the door for $15. You will get free salsa lessons from Avanzato who is a long-time dancer, included with the cost of admission. Avanzato wants to convey that lessons are simple and you can learn how to partner dance or dance solo. Find out how easy it can be below as Avanzato shows you the way to salsa for the fun of it...

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Easy, right? It's so much fun! I can tell you that as someone who learned basic salsa steps in a salsa class years ago. And don't me started on how much fun salsa music is!

Avanzato and Chavez Daza are hoping that with the success of this Rainbow Salsa dance, they can move forward with hosting other events for LGBTQ+. Avanzato has created a Facebook page called "Rainbow Salsa" where she posts other events in the area that are all-inclusive.

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