By Haley Zeller, Arts & Entertainment Editor; Photo Credits to Thamoda Haputhanthri
On Saturday night, the Asian Cultural Association (ACA) hosted their second annual Lunar New Year celebration at TRAX. The event honored many common traditions of the widely celebrated holiday, including spending time with loved ones, sharing delicious meals, and wishing one another good fortune in the new year. Even for those who don’t celebrate Lunar New Year, celebrations like these allow guests to learn about and reflect on new cultures and share in the festivities.
The night kicked off with a buffet-style meal prepared by Aramark Catering Services, as well as a spotlight dish and Vietnamese Shrimp Rolls—which were created by Chef Nguyet Keefer. Over eighty guests indulged in pork and vegetable dumplings, sweet and sour cod, white rice, Chinese donuts and more!
After guests had time to eat, Justine Gilbert ‘26, the PR manager of ACA, and Malorie Housler ‘28, ACA’s secretary, introduced the night’s cultural performances. Dancers Abby, Addie, Atlee and Maddie from Enterline’s Dance Center performed a modern Chinese dance that blended classical grace and contemporary movement. Justine said of the dancers, “They enjoy participating in Lunar New Year celebrations because it gives them the opportunity to step outside of their usual dance styles and explore something culturally new.”
Next up was a performance by ACA’s president, Kiara De Silva ‘27. She beautifully sang the Sri Lankan song “Diya Goda Samathana” by Sunail. Malorie said, “Just as the holiday symbolizes new beginnings and prosperity, this song carries the uplifting energy of welcoming a fresh year full of possibilities.”
Following the group dance and Kiara’s performance, each dancer had the opportunity to perform their own individual dance and song, which brought a vibrant and exciting energy to the celebration.
Addie performed a Vietnamese dance that captured the festivity of Tết—Vietnam’s Lunar New Year. Maddie then danced to a Filipino lullaby that expressed tenderness, protection and hope. Abby represented China by performing a modern dance that blended the symbolic storytelling of Chinese dance with contemporary choreography and music. The final dancer, Atlee, performed a traditional court-style dance from Korea that had two parts. The second part transitioned into a modern K-pop dance that was expressive, rhythmic and energetic!
Taking place between the dances was a presentation for Give Kids the World. This charity is a non-profit, storybook-themed resort located in Kissimmee, Florida. Their goal is to give cost-free vacations to families with children who struggle with a critical illness. Eleven-year-old Oliver, who was diagnosed with pediatric cancer, gave a speech about his positive experience with Give Kids the World. Over the course of the night, ACA gathered donations for this charity and raised over $200. The executive board is excited to help contribute to these families’ fun memories.
After the dances, a fashion show took place on the stage. Four participants showed off outfits from different countries: Brianna Le represented Vietnam wearing an Áo Dài, a colorful tunic; Kiara wore a Sri Lankan Redde and Hatte, or a cloth and jacket; Justine wore a Qipao, a silk dress from Mandarin culture; and Harini, who wore a traditional, Indian dress called the Chudidhar.
As the event came to a close, exec members handed out red envelopes to each guest. The envelopes featured intricate, colorful designs of horses, and they contained a chocolate coin. “Though we have no real gold to give you, we hope this reflects how much we appreciate all of you,” Kiara told the guests.
With the celebration coming to an end, guests ordered calligraphy from myself, ACA’s treasurer.
The exec board ended the night with a final wish for prosperity and luck in the new year.
Xin Nian Kuai Le! Happy New Year!