The International Students’ Association will be putting on a their annual production tonight, combining drama and dance to broaden student horizons.
The annual Ethnos Culture Show merges skits with a variety of ethnic dance routines. Some performances highlight Indian, Thai and Korean cultures; various Hispanic nationalities and the African Students’ Association will also be represented alongside other dance groups such as Sanctify and Shades. ISA wants to emphasize not only foreign traditions, but also aspects of American life. In the spirit of diversity, the various dance routines are open to students of any nationality. The Indian dance team, for example, is made up of students of many different racial backgrounds.
Last year, the “Culture Shock” show examined what it’s like to experience a foreign country for the first time, while this year’s “Departures” will explore the idea of leaving one’s home.
“It’s about leaving your home culture, going to a different country, what that’s like. Even coming from your home to ACU, it’s about embracing the journey,” said Public Relations officer senior Adrian Patenaude, who grew up as a missionary child in Thailand. Both she and her brother, Lucius, senior multimedia major from Thailand, have directed the show in previous years.
“Ethnos showcases ACU’s growing diversity and lets you see your peers in a new light,” said the director, Jennifer Valenzuela, senior psychology major from El Paso. “It’s kind of like ISA’s Sing Song. You form relationships with a diverse group of people, which is kind of the point.”
Ethnos is showing tonight and Saturday at 7 p.m. in Cullen Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased for $7 from the Campus Center, for $10 at the door, or for $8.13 (fees included) online at ethnos2013.eventbrite.com.
Students from across campus will participate in dances representing different cultures for the Ethnos Culture Show. (Optimist photo by Jarred Schuetze)
