The International Affairs Society commemorated the end of a successful year Saturday night at its third annual ball.

More than 100 students in elaborate evening gowns and suits salsa danced to the tune of a live Latin Jazz band – Los Gringos.

Red, orange, and yellow roses dotted the Elliott School building’s ballroom, and rows of pink and red tea candles lit the dance floor. Students were given an hour-long salsa lesson amidst a theme of “Latin Carnival.”

“Seniors will be leaving … so it’s like a closing,” said IAS Social Coordinator Caitlin McCormick. “A lot of membership are involved in Model (United Nations) and this is like an end-of-the-year thank you to our membership.”

Besides the Model UN competition, IAS members participated in several panel discussions throughout the year.

The IAS ball committee, chaired by McCormick, began planning the event in September. The ball cost the group $3,000.

Junior Andrea Patterson, a member of the IAS, said although she enjoyed dancing, she really liked having the opportunity to dress up.

“Any excuse to put on a formal gown,” Patterson said.

The IAS, dedicated to educating students on international diplomacy and relations, works closely with the Elliott School of International Affairs. ESIA members said they are grateful the IAS chose to hold its event on campus this year, instead of the French Embassy like last year.

“The deans have been really enthusiastic that we’re using this facility,” said McCormick, who chose the top floor ballroom and terrace as a “thank you to the deans.”

The terrace overlooks the Washington Monument and National Mall.

“I don’t think anyone realizes how close we are to the monuments … the best view in D.C.,” said sophomore Megan Carroll, an IAS member.

The event was co-sponsored by the Student Association.

“(The IAS Ball) is important to us because members work hard and we are so impressed with what they do,” McCormick said “(T)hey do so much it is amazing.”