BAPSA’s (Babson Asian Pacific Student Association) annual East Meets West performance has become a popular tradition at Babson. This year’s show, called “Culture Shock”, was performed to a full house at Sorenson Theatre on April 12th. It was a spirited and entertaining set of performances representing various aspects of Asian culture that strove to show how Eastern and Western cultures do and do not understand each other.
In an effort to build connections with other Boston-area colleges, this year’s show included performers from both on and off campus. It featured a Lion Dance (Chinese) by MIT students, hip hop dances to Asian melodies by B.U. students and traditional Japanese dance by Babson’s Japanese International Circle. A fashion show displayed both traditional and modern apparel and had the audience roaring with laughter as male models competed for the attention of female models. With charisma, style and smiles, Aman danced to Indo-Funk music and a cheering audience. South Korean Junior In-Ho Lee wowed the audience with his violin performance of “Arirang”, a song about beauty and the feeling of missing someone intensely. Matrix badminton caused the audience to question its eyes, as players seemed to literally fly through the air; and with colorful attire and great enthusiasm Korean Student Association members performed Pungmul Nori: Korean drumming. “Vudoo Soul” (Chris Vu of American Idol fame) wrapped up the show with a series of heartfelt ballads.
This year’s prestigious Allison Carroll Award was presented by Dean Tim Mann to a very deserving Antonette Ho (B.S. ’07). The award honors an undergraduate student who has fostered a climate of understanding and respect with and between student groups on campus, organized campus-wide events that express global themes and raised awareness of international issues on campus. Through her hard work as a BAPSA e-board member and playing a leadership role in organizing intercultural events that have raised awareness of international issues, Antonette has earned great respect and fondness of the many students she has affected positively.
Proceeds from the evening’s events were donated to the Coalition for Asian Pacific American Youth (CAPAY). CAPAY is a non-profit organization which strives to improve race relations, educate others about Asian Pacific America and celebrate Asian heritage. It is a youth-run organization coordinated through the University of Massachusetts – Boston.
The evening culminated in a feast of Asian food served following the performance. Spirits were high as students shared their excitement over the successful event which met its goal of sharing Asian culture with the Babson community.
