Thailand - This year‘s Cultural Night boasted a return to the competition format, more participants from the various area clubs, exciting new guest performers and a staggering attendance.
Festivities began at 7 p.m. Saturday with an international fashion show featuring the traditional costumes of all participating nations.
Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Indonesia performed first. Each club had an act unique to its tradition.
Although small, each gave a feisty performance that kept the audience riveted.
Indonesian performers danced with plates seemingly attached to each of their hands.
After a brief intermission after Indonesia, the large clubs performed.
Malaysia led the pack with Joget, a traditional dance, after which the Malaysian 24 Seasons Drum Troupe took the stage.
India had a routine that encompassed all the regions of the subcontinent, including Bhangra beats from the north, Bharatanayam from the south, Garba from the west and Dhunuchi of the east.
Vietnam, Japan and Africa rounded off the list of competitors.
Cultural Night 2008 featured a guest performance from Gypsy Fire, who belly danced their way into the hearts of the audience.
The final act of the day was another guest show by members of the Korean Student Association who were mesmerizing in their colorful traditional costumes and with their intricate dance movements.
Cultural Night awarded four awards.
Nepal took home Most Active Group, awarded to the club most instrumental in making Cultural Night a success.
Indonesia won Best Small Group, while India swept the remaining two awards, which were Best Use of Backdrop and Best Large Group.
“I thought all in all, it went extremely well,” said Tim Huff, director of the International Students and Scholars Office. “Attendance for both nights was much greater and we actually ran out of tickets on Saturday.
“This particular ISO committee is maybe the hardest working one we ever had. It has a strong president (Hui Hui Ang) who doesn‘t let anyone quit.
“The people who didn‘t get a chance to see this year‘s Cultural Night have to come next year to witness an extraordinary display of international culture.”
Some performers were apprehensive but proud to be a part of the event.
“I was very nervous about performing, but I wanted to experience something special in my one semester here,” said Ellen Ko, an exchange student from Korea.
She performed as a member in the Malaysian 24 Seasons Drum Troupe, which boasted a diverse cast of performers.
Others said they preferred watching to performing.
“I performed last year, so this year I got a chance to watch the show instead of being in it,” said Sunggoro, an industrial engineering sophomore. “I am happy to sit back and enjoy watching. I might go back to performing next year.”
Some students saw the event as a chance to be involved in something reminiscent of home.
“I came to help out the Malaysian Students Association with their act,” said U-Joe Wong, a mechanical engineering junior. “I was happy with a chance to help my countrymen and be a part of spreading Malaysian culture. I enjoyed myself very much.” (Drake Tan)
Source: ocolly.com (31 Maret 2008)
