Humboldt Dancer Julie Hayes Qualifies for World Finals, Brings Pride

In a brief press release dated Monday, 3 November 2025, the Humboldt Latin Dancers reported that local competitor Julie Hayes earned top honors at the West Coast Latin Dance Championships in Oakland. Hayes took first place in the Salsa ProAm75 division and second place in the All ProAm division, performances that secured her qualification for the EuroSon World Championship Finals in Cancún, Mexico this December. The organization framed the achievement as a point of pride for Humboldt s Latin dance community and noted that local supporters hailed her representation on an international stage.

The results place a Humboldt representative on a global platform for Latin dance and are likely to draw attention to the county s grassroots arts and recreation programs. The ProAm75 category designator indicates competition in a senior division, and Hayes s advancement to the world finals underscores the role of performing arts in supporting active aging. For many residents, especially older adults, visible examples of continued physical activity and artistic engagement can offer motivation to pursue community programs that foster movement, connection, and purpose.

Beyond celebration, the qualification raises practical questions about access and equity. Traveling to an international finals event entails expenses and logistical planning that can place a strain on individual competitors, particularly those without sponsorship. Local arts organizations, recreation departments, and health agencies may face an opportunity to coordinate support that keeps community representatives on an equal footing with better resourced peers. Ensuring older adults have pathways to compete at high levels ties into broader public health goals around reducing isolation, promoting physical activity, and maintaining mobility.

The Humboldt Latin Dancers release positioned Hayes s success as illustrative of the county s dance scene, which relies on volunteer instructors, community venues, and inclusive programming. For policymakers and funders, the moment provides a concrete example of how cultural activities contribute to community well being. Prioritizing affordable class spaces, transportation assistance, and collaborative funding for travel could extend these benefits to more residents and contribute to health equity across age and income groups.

Julie Hayes s presence at the EuroSon World Championship Finals in December will be watched by friends, fellow dancers, and local arts advocates. Her qualification invites a wider conversation about how Humboldt County supports arts participation throughout life, and how those investments yield public health benefits alongside cultural recognition.