A melting pot of cultures can create experiences and lessons, which SE Campus Multicultural Celebration provided for its students.

   The event began with a dragon dance presented by Thanh Tran and others from the International Asian Student Organization. The colorful dragon covered the dancers, leaving only their feet seen, while it hopped and wiggled to pounding drums with the assistance of a masked man waving a fan.

   “When I lived in Vietnam, we used the dragon at most celebrations, like Tet, our lunar new year,” Hai Nguyen, student, said.

   The masked man, Nguyen said, usually has a plump belly, and his dancing with the dragon brings prosperity and happiness to families. The dance is performed at events such as store openings to ensure financial success, as well as other celebrations.

   “The celebration was fun, but we should do more; we have a lot of international students. We need more of those students to participate,” he said.

   Following the dragon dance, the Owerrie Children’s Dance Group, directed by SE student Franca Ibewas, performed a Nigerian dance.
The women and children dancers wore traditional African clothing. They danced around the audience in the Ballroom prompting them to begin clapping with the rhythm, which the audience continued through several other performances.

   Ibewas participated after being asked by one of her professors and aided in forming and directing the dance group, Dr. Elizabeth Joseph, event co-coordinator, said.

   After the Nigerian dance, an Indian folk dance was exhibited. The group included two women and a male in the forefront. The music consisted of a traditional sitar sound combined with a 21st century electronic edge. The dancing by the male contained vigorous foot work and upper body thrashing. The women countered with graceful swirls and arm movements, allowing the vibrant colors of their clothing to flow.

   Muslim Student Association (MSA) members performing graceful dances, garnering applause, down the aisle, introduced a parade of traditional garb from multiple Middle Eastern nations. Each article of clothing exhibited the character and personality of its region of origin.

   The MSA fashion show preceded a fashion show featuring multiple countries, including the Philippines, Thailand, India, Vietnam and Mexico.

   A Hispanic dance concluded the event. Two men began the dance on opposite sides of the stage. After one man exited, a woman appeared to dance with the other man. The performance ended after the male dropped his sombrero on the ground while they circled it.

   Ana Ortiz, SE student, and her company led the Hispanic dance.