Things were shaken up “Latino style” at international Week’s salsa events Wednesday night in the Student Center Lounge.The beginning of the evening was spiced up when well-known culinary artists from Fort Worth came to judge the salsa making contest, John Singleton, associate director of international student services said.

The winner for best traditional salsa from the contest was Ida Hernandez.

Some of the students said that the international events made them feel closer to their countries.

“The whole salsa event made me feel like I was at home, and some of the salsa tasted just like my grandmother’s. And that made me feel really happy.” Aline Mora, International Baccalaureate student said.

Deji Delano, a sophomore biology major from Nigeria, said he has traveled all over the world, but it is events like this that show different cultures and encourage students to want to study abroad.

The Latin event began to liven when the salsa dancing started with a live band of international students.

Aaron Agins, a sophomore premajor said, ” I came tonight because I just really like to dance, and I think it is interesting to learn about different cultures and the way that they like to dance.”

Beth Mayberry, a junior international economics and social work major, organized the salsa event. She said she wanted to become part of the International Student Association after she studied in Peru and that she was interested in other cultures.

Before the dancing began, the crowd watched a foreign film called Mad Hot Ballroom to get them in the mood for dancing, Mayberry said.

Singleton said the event helped create a sense of pride in the students.

“I think these events are so important to all of the students because it makes them proud to represent their country and show other people what is beautiful about their country,” Singleton said.