The WCHS auditorium is filled with full platters of Chinese and Korean foods, laughter and beautiful outfits; the Lunar New Year Gala has returned for a second time to WCHS. This time, the gala boasts a melting pot of Asian cultures, drawing prominently from China’s New Year celebration, the Spring Festival, and Korea’s Seollal. Through a three-hour event made possible by the Chinese Honors Society (CHS), Korean Culture Club (KCC), Chinese Culture Club (CCC) and Asian American Alliance (AAA) officers and sponsors along with multiple other organizations, the Gala showcases WCHS’ Asian American culture and fosters appreciation for the distinctions between each culture.
“[The Lunar New Year Gala] is about showcasing all the diverse cultural backgrounds of Asia,” WCHS science teacher and Korean Culture Club sponsor Mira Chung said. “The amount of people that are appreciative and willing to understand Asia’s cultural backgrounds, not just from popular culture, is one of the amazing things about this event.”
As one of the three teacher sponsors, Chung is closely involved with setting up and organizing the interactive experiences featured in the gala. “A Taste of Asia,” as advertised, are potluck style food tables filled with dishes brought and made by AAA, CCC, KCC and CHS members along with food from event sponsors East Dumpling House and Banchan Chicken. The free walk-in experience featured multiple booths: a boba tea stand, sampling the classic black tea and brown sugar tapioca recipe; an origami station; savory-sweet Korean and Chinese dishes; and games such as ddakji, a Korean children’s game (also featured in popular the Netflix TV show “Squid Game”).
“This is the second year of the Lunar New Year gala that [the CHS has] put on. [The gala] has definitely gotten larger and incorporating different cultures has made more planning involved,” Chung said. “Aside from the booths, the audience can experience a variety of different performances from traditional instruments, dance and song.”
Running multiple programs along with a speech by the MCPS Board of Education President Julie Yang, the gala’s exceptional performances were no small feat to pull off. The event’s collaboration between all the organizations was crucial to the gala’s success.From projections, spotlights and music, the production promises a memorable experience for all attendees.
“I think the different cultures interacting and the communication happening throughout the [Lunar New Year Gala] is something to appreciate,” WCHS junior Somie Choi, a member of the Tech Team who helps maintain the flow of stage performances, said. “I help with lighting and sound and adjust those according to the general performance plan. It’s a good way to get involved in making these events possible.”
Having opened to “Happy Go Lucky” danced by the CHS and CCC, the event had an energetic start. A calm and elegant atmosphere was portrayed by Ellen Xin, as the second act Xin danced to “《天涯共此時》– One World, One Moment”. The stage was decorated with songs sung by Stephanie Zhou, Elizabeth Kim and Lumina Zhang as well as the “Dance song of Yi Tribe” on the Guqin, a seven-string plucked Chinese musical instrument, played by Alice Wang. The event provided further entertainment with acts such as Chinese yoyo, fan dances, Taekwondo Poomsae and even an interactive Kahoot for the audience.
“The performers onstage ran through many practices,” Choi said. “The combination of modern and traditional pieces really completes the performance and makes it what it is.”
The fashion show was a highlight for many of the attendees and with the amount of effort put into the cultural attire showcased, the show deserves recognition for a reason. The models walked out wearing traditional Qipao, Hanfu, Hanbok, Kimono and Ao dai, modeling various eras and dynasties from each respective culture. The gala came to a close with a cultural diffusion skit along with a performance by the CHS and CCC to “《大团圆》–Happy Reunion,” filling the stage with dancing as one last farewell until the next gala.
“Mr. Taylor and the school are big on students having knowledge and learning about each other,” Chung said. “It’s always hectic with the amount of different groups working together, however, it’s always worth it to make everyone feel appreciated with our community’s diverse population and perspectives.”
