Dances, songs and fashion of cultures from all around the world were on display last Friday evening in Washburn’s White Concert Hall. The Washburn International Club hosted the “Celebration of Cultures”.

The event helped the International Club fulfill its goals of helping international students experience authentic American culture and provide opportunities for students to learn about other cultures around the world, as well.

This is the 10-year anniversary for the founding of the Washburn International Club and the “Celebration of Cultures” is the biggest yearly event the club hosts. A variety of traditional singers and dancers, a magic show and a fashion show were all part of the show.

“The fashion show was where people show off the clothes, both traditional and modern, of all the different countries,” said Mary-Lucia Darst, member of the international club and senior in music performance and history. “I represented Vietnam and America.”

Darst participated in the fashion show and helped as a backstage hand for the rest of the show. Darst originally joined in international club because her brother was involved in the club. She said that she has really enjoyed being part of the club and the involvement on campus that the clubs brings.

Maria Haag, a senior in fine arts and a minor in music, just joined the international club this semester. Haag is on the executive board for the club and designed most of the stage decorations for Friday’s show.

“There was quite a large crowd,” said Haag. “I couldn’t find a seat at first when I came out from back stage. It was a great turnout.”

Along with designing the decorations, Haag also helped backstage during parts of the show.

“I have to say the Mexican dancing was one of the highlights,” said Haag. “There was an Italian opera that was really good, as well.”

To commemorate the 10th anniversary, a logo competition was opened to students. The winner of the competition was also announced during the show.

“I haven’t been in it very long but the Celebration of Cultures was really fun to work on and it was fun to see all the different cultures,” said Haag. “It was a great exposé of cultures.”