Students will be able to experience sounds, culture and dance from various parts of the world at 7 p.m. Friday, in the University Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

“Sounds of the World,” which is hosted by the Association of International Students, is an annual show where students from all cultural backgrounds can perform by singing, dancing or playing a musical instrument.

Shifa Shamim, president of AIS, said even American students can, and are encouraged to, perform.

“We can learn something from their culture if they present,” Shamim said.

Shamim said the event was created three years ago and is consistently evolving and has now become a major event. She said students have enjoyed the show so much that they are talking about having the event every semester instead of once a year.

Students from India, Nepal, China, Saudi Arabia and many other countries will present something from their culture; they are also encouraged to wear their traditional garb. Music from each represented country will be played. Their countries’ flags will be displayed as well.

Sunrose Maskey, a freshman psychology major, said he will be performing to an American song with a southeastern classical dance. He said the dance is a way of unifying the cultures.

Maskey, who is a semi-professional dancer, said he has performed in front of the president and prime minister of Nepal and India.

“It was amazing,” he said.

Shamim said this event will give international students a chance to share and perform something from their culture, but also allow students to see a wide variety of diverse backgrounds.

“Where in Charleston can you see an Indian dance?” Shamim asked.

Tickets to “Sounds of the World,” are $2 for adults and free for children.

Roberto Hodge can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].