After warming up to "Milkshake" by Kelis and "Right Thurr" by Chingy, the Penn State International Dance Ensemble (PSIDE) rehearsed for its spring show by twirling Egyptian staffs and dancing with Chinese fans.

For 25 years, PSIDE has been dancing to the beat of different international styles. This year, the group consists of 20 members who come from various backgrounds and different parts of the globe. "The true spirit of PSIDE is people who speak different languages coming together to dance," Eliezer Moreta (junior-psychology and mathematics) said.

At 3 p.m. April 16, in rooms 132 and 133 of the White Building, PSIDE will hold its annual spring performance, which will feature 15 different dances and various styles from around the world including salsa, Mexican, Irish, tap, belly dancing and lyrical.

While the majority of PSIDE's dances are passed down from generation to generation, the group acquires new dances through group members.

"Most of the group members are interested in other cultures, and come to the ensemble with their own experiences and expertise," PSIDE Director Anuja Ghate (senior-psychology) said. "We don't make up dances or just watch routines and try to do something similar. We try to present authenticity."

The ensemble also acquires routines through workshops with professional dancers, which they hold three to four times a semester. "I love the interaction and the way dancers get to share what they know," Moreta said.

Dancers said they joined the group because they liked the ensemble's style and have a love for performing.

"The dances are interesting," Christina Pastrana (freshman-history) said. "You can be creative and can do whatever you want."

Geoffrey Morgan (senior-information sciences and technology) said he joined because of the feeling he gets before he is about to perform.

"My favorite part is the two minutes before the performance. There's a lot of tension and an adrenaline rush," Morgan said. "You're about to go onstage before a lot of people, and you could either look really great or really dumb."

In addition to dancing and performing, the members of PSIDE said they like the group atmosphere.

"The people are so much fun," Diane Kadushin (freshman-public relations) said. "The group is competitive enough to push you to do better, but there's no animosity."

The group has performed for various campus events including Synergy, the Interfraternity/Panhellenic Dance Marathon and charity benefits.

In January, the group performed at the Tall Shiva Hookah Lounge, 224 W. College Ave, to raise money for the AIDS Project.