Cultural Extravaganza 2013

Where students, faculty, staff & the local community showcase their culture through music, dance, poetry and other talents

Lynsie Whitehead
The Signal
Colorful costumes, vivacious music and energetic performances made for a spectacular production held at the University of Houston-Clear Lake March 23.

Cultural Extravaganza, an annual event sponsored by Intercultural and International Student Services (IISS), entertained students, faculty and staff with performances that displayed the diverse group of cultures represented at UHCL.

“Cultural Extravaganza is a program that is designed to highlight the numerous cultures that are present on this campus,” explained Linda Bullock, assistant dean of student diversity and director of IISS. “A concerted effort is made to solicit performances by students from all cultures. Our intention is that Cultural Extravaganza is a vehicle that not only showcases our very diverse environment, but also serves as an educational tool about the global society we live in.”

Among the 22 performances were several cultural dances, including “Atilwogu,” a traditional dance from the Igbo ethnic group of Nigeria; “Brazilian Samba by LD,” a dance performed all over South America and Brazil; and “Rajasthani Dance,” an Indian folk and tribal dance meant to express joy for every occasion.

“I love to perform on stages,” said Disha Patel, biotechnology major and “Rajasthani Dance” performer. “It is great to have the opportunity to showcase our culture, that normally people wouldn’t see.”

Along with several dance performances, many chose to display their talents through song during acts such as Yemito, a song performed in the southern Indian language Telugu; Supe Que Me Amabas, a love song originally performed by Mexican musician Marcela Gandara; and Ngay Tet Que Em, a traditional song celebrated during Vietnam’s Lunar New Year.

The closing of the show featured what is known as the “Cultural Walk,” where each person involved with the production carried their country’s flag on to the stage. An impressive 24 countries were represented during the closing of the program.

The reasons students get involved in the Cultural Extravaganza may vary, but one thing seems to be consistent: they are proud of their countries and want to represent them positively.

“I decided to do it because I wanted to show my talent, and I want to be a part of this show to represent my culture,” expressed Dorian Ayala, biological science major and ambassador for IISS.

Even though students are generally aware of the cultural diversity on campus, programs like the Cultural Extravaganza help showcase students’ varied backgrounds and also promote a sense of unity.

“My observation is that many of us welcome different cultures and the diversity we enjoy on this campus,” said Bullock. “However, this learning process is ongoing and we must continue to offer programs and events that help us understand the global perspective.”

Any student interested in performing or volunteering their time for next year’s Cultural Extravaganza can find more information available in the IISS office, located in SSCB 1203, or by phone at 281-283-2575.
 

Photos and slideshow by Ashley Honc: The Signal.