Masala took audience members in the Great Hall on a tour of the world in two hours on Saturday.
The fourth annual ""A Night Around the World"" was created especially for Family Weekend and presented a wide array of performances ranging from music to poetry to dance.
Masala" a multicultural organization that combines more than 14 student organizations planned the event with the goal of revealing the richness of diversity found at UNC.
Anish Thakkar co-vice president of Masala" said the event was a chance for people to see the efforts students put into their passion.
""I just hope this event will inspire people to delve deeper into their passion" regardless of boundaries set up in society or in their own heads" Thakkar said.
Thakkar revealed his passion by performing with Bhangra Elite, a competitive, traditional Indian dance team. He said he thought the performance exceeded expectations, since only first- and second-year club members were dancing in the show.
Senior Neil Patel, who attended the show, said he enjoyed every minute.
(It was) a great way for the campus community to come together to see the cultural diversity and talent on campus"" he said.
- Kamikaze — an energetic dance team composed of a large, diverse group of students — displayed a wide array of dance steps, including the moonwalk, during the event.
- Zankiliwa performed an African dance with modern and traditional elements.
- ¡Qué Rico! amazed audience members with Latin dance moves.
- Mezmerhythm's routine melded hip-hop, jazz and Latin elements.
- Wearing jingling belts, the women of Shabnam danced to a blend of modern and traditional Persian dance.
- Members of the Arab Student Organization performed a belly dancing routine.
- Concept of Colors put its own spin on a fashion show by performing a dance routine while displaying a few of this year's trends in clothing and handbags.
- The Achordants, an a capella group, elicited giggles from the audience with their renditions of Can't Take My Eyes Off You" Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and Killer Queen.""
- The UNC Gospel Choir's voices resounded in the room as its members sang to live music. The audience was drawn into the performance and even yelled for an encore when the group began to leave the stage.
""I had a really good time"" said first-year student Kelly Knapp, who added that the groups kept her dancing in the seat.""
Sanjit Misra" president of Masala" said the sold-out show was astounding and hoped that it exposed everyone to the different cultures on campus.
Senior Glenn Love said the event did just that.
""It's really cool to see all of these organizations at the same time.""
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
