By Isabel Oalican, Staff Editor
On October 26, students packed into the Goodhart Auditorium to watch the Bi-Co Asian Students Association (ASA) Culture Show and Celebration. Every year, the show adopts a new theme. This year, the theme was “In Bloom,” a concept which reflects the Asian experience of growing to love and appreciate one’s culture, essentially blooming into an appreciation for Asian identity. There were performances from Bryn Mawr’s very own dance groups including Choom Boom, Mayeri, and Bollywood as well as some Bi-Co representation from rap group Blasian. Following dance performances ASA treasurer Jacqueline Lo performed a Chinese ribbon dance, spinning and twirling her ribbon as she danced across stage. Other acts ensued, including some lovely vocals in both modern and traditional music like a stunning rendition of a Chinese Opera song. A quick intermission followed, catered with a plethora of Chinese pastries. Bakpia, Baoza, and countless other buns lined the serving table in Goodhart.
Performers and audience members alike stuffed themselves with sweets before returning for the final acts. During a spoken word piece about the Asian American experience by Ryka Aoki, many audience members and performers alike were moved to tears. Backstage, models in the upcoming an act practiced their walks, put on makeup, and stuffed bao into their mouths before the final act: the fashion show. The fashion show organized by ASA co-president Jessica Saludades. Models lined the stage covered in traditional and modern dresses of their culture. As each model walked, Saludades called the traditional names of their dresses, including but not limited to the Chinese qípáo and hanfu, a Turkish bindalli, Vietnamese ao dai, a Filipino barong and Maria Clara gown were among some of the many styles represented this year. To end the night, ASA provided Banh Mi for dinner, lining the tables with delicious Vietnamese sandwiches that were gone almost as quickly as the pastries. Overall, this year’s ASA Culture Show was a huge success.
Culture shows are a way in which students can celebrate their culture and build a sense of community on campus. These shows are essential to maintaining a respect for inclusion on campus. Just as the Bi-Co ASA Show, many other shows remind students of color that their identities can be celebrated even in a space which may otherwise erase or repress their culture. That is why it is important to attend and support these shows. Not only can one learn more about your own culture or another culture, one can get the fulfillment of creating a more inclusive campus. So next time a culture show is happening, buy a ticket! After all, you may even score some free food.
Image credit: Bryn Mawr Asian Students Association, Facebook
