Dozens of students showcased both their skill and cultural diversity on stage Friday, but Masti, a South Pacific dance club, took home the title as the winner of the first talent show hosted by International Connection.
The first “Binghamton’s Got Talent” competition was the final event of International Education Week, which celebrates the diverse backgrounds of Binghamton University students. The talent show featured 10 student performances, a fashion show and international foods.
“We want to bring cultures from every single part of the world together, and show the diversity,” said Munira Pulodi, vice president of International Connection and a junior majoring in biology.
During the fashion show, models walked through the center aisle where the audience was seated, showcasing traditional Japanese clothing, African wear, Indian saris, Turkish outfits, a Caribbean celebratory costume and a traditional Chinese garment.
International Connection’s E-Board members performed a choreographed dance routine to the Korean pop hit “Gangnam Style,” the Hindi song “Thug Le,” and the Spanish/Portuguese song “Danza Kuduro.”
Featured acts included Beijing Opera, Korean percussion group Sul Poong, contemporary ballet dance group Orchesis, BU Tae Kwon Do Club, and Laura Keim.
Student dance groups also performed, including routines by the BU Greek Club, BU Japanese Association (BUJA), Binghamton Masti, BU Irish Club and International Flag Dancers.
The competition, judged by the amount of audience applause each act received, resulted in a tie between Masti, a South Pacific dance club, and the BU Tae Kwon Do Club. The International Connection executive board members were called on stage to break the tie, but their votes only led to another tie of four to four. Jay Arora, the host of the event, asked the crowd to cheer once more for the group that they wanted to win, resulting in Masti gaining the final victory.
“It feels so great [to win],” said Amy Mundanchira, co-captain of Masti and a junior majoring in biology. “We didn’t think we’d win this, there’s so much talent in here.”
Only two years old, International Connection put a lot of planning into creating their first major event.
“We have been planning this event since the end of last semester,” said Stephen Hernandez, social chair for International Connection and a senior majoring in mathematics.
Correction: Nov. 21, 2012
An earlier version of this article incorrectly referred to “a traditional Chinese kimono.” A kimono is actually a traditional Japanese article of clothing. Additionally, the article had an incorrect spelling of the name of Binghamton University’s Korean percussion group. It is Sul Poong, not Sul Poogn.