Sometimes all you want to do is dance, and if you’re on campus this week, there are plenty of opportunities to do just that.

On March 10, Grand Valley State University students can attend the first of many dance workshops dedicated to the education of cultural expression. Hosted by the Arab Culture Club, students will have the chance to learn the Arab folkdance, Dabke. This line dance ensemble, performed at joyous occasions, will be offered in the Grand River Room of the Kirkhof Center from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

On March 11, students can attend a workshop hosted by Area Studies that will be dedicated to teaching Danzas Aztecas, a form of dance native to the Aztec people of Mesoamerica. This will take place in Kirkhof room 2215 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

After learning all those culturally representative dance moves, students may end their week by attending the International Masquerade Ball on Saturday, March 15. The ball, hosted by the Association of International Students’ Organization, will be held at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Doors open at 8 p.m. and students are expected to dress formally. Tickets are $5 but are in limited quantity. They can be bought at the 2020 Information Desk in Kirkhof.

The International Masquerade Ball is an aspect of a much larger gathering during Intercultural Week. Concurrent with campus activities, representatives from numerous universities across the country will converge in Grand Rapids and GVSU for the second annual AISO National Conference.

“This event will help the international students get exposed to Grand Valley students,” said Kate Stoetzner, director of international student and scholar services. “This is a good opportunity for them to interact in a relaxed setting.”

The event is expected to help bring students from different schools and countries together to interact and socialize at a common, tranquil setting that foils the many frantic undertakings during the conference.

“We are hosting this because we want to expose Grand Valley students to other cultures,” Stoetezner said. “We hope that it will be a cultural experience to help bring an understanding of cultures from around the world.”