Erin McLaughlin
Special for The State News

While most of MSU's campus lay still and freezing from the bitter snow, a warm and tropical atmosphere lingered in the Union on Saturday night.

The themed dance, "Lost in the Caribbean," was sponsored by the Freshmen Class Council, a division of ASMSU, MSU's undergraduate student government. Students from all class levels were encouraged to sport their tropical attire.

On entering the Union Gold Rooms, visitors had to limbo under the Tiki straw draped over the doorway. Amid the flashing lights and pop music, artificial palm trees stood out and tables were sprinkled with seashells.

Pre-medicine freshman Niesha Amos arrived early for the dance.

"The energy was up even early on. We picked up a beach ball and had a volleyball game," she said. Amos said she found out about the event through the fliers posted around campus.

Even though Amos was only one of few attendees, the night still hyped up a bit. Tables emptied and everyone was up dancing when Britney Spears' "Toxic" resonated from the speakers. The crowd was clapping and having a genuine good time.

No-preference freshman Jessica Kunnath, decked out in a pink tropical top, clapped along with the rest of the crowd.

Kunnath was the head of the dance committee for the council. She said most of the tropics-inspired decorations came from a dollar store. The council promoted the event by posting fliers and speaking to classes.

Akers Hall funded about half of the cost for the dance.

After it was over, finance freshman Marilyn Ortiz reflected on the overall outcome of the night.

"I did expect more people to come. I think the weather was a factor in that," she said. "Then again, everyone had a fun time."