When And What Is The ASA Showcase?
The Asian Student Association will hold a showcase with an exciting lineup of performances this week to celebrate and spotlight the rich culture and diversity of Asia.
There will be a night show on Thursday, January 25th, at 6 p.m., and a day show on Friday, January 26th, during fourth period.
Cultures from Korea, China, and India will be represented through the showcase’s many diverse performances. This includes traditional Chinese fan dance from the East Asian Performing Arts Club, fusion dance by Enloe’s Bollywood dance team, Dance Pe Chance, and a lively K-pop dance.
Additionally, there will be an empowering poetry recitation, and vocalists and instrumentalists will perform a song dedicated to Mr. Chen. During Thursday’s show, the Asian Student Association will highlight a guest speaker, North Carolina State Representative and Filipino-American Maria Cervania.
Asian Student Association: Diversity, Community, Hidden Talent
Speaking with the Asian Student Association advisor, Mr. Fuss, and the current president and vice president, Jiya Bhure and Apoorva Jha, they collectively share sentiments about what they want audiences to take away from watching the culmination of this year’s work.
Bhure encapsulated the essence of the significance of cultural associations at Enloe. “Enloe is a beautifully diverse school and we have so many cultures that deserve to be represented, that in the past have been misrepresented or underrepresented.” She wants the audiences to gain a new understanding and appreciation of Asian cultures: “Our culture is not monolithic.”
Jha, who recited empowering spoken word at last year’s showcase, reiterated: “Our culture has value, whether in Asia or America. I want people to see and appreciate how we embrace our culture. I want them to feel the community.”
Mr. Fuss, a ninth-grade social studies teacher, has seen the association and showcase flourish since its debut last year. He vocalized, “I see how much talent we have at this school, especially that we don’t get to see regularly, from our Asian community. In any newspaper, you read about this model minority myth. When I read that, all I hear is about students in STEM or they’re excelling at math. And that is a myth. Then I see all the artwork and the dedication that they put into this side of themselves.”
How Can I Be A Part Of The ASA Showcase Next Year?
The Asian Student Association looks for new talent and interest to perform each year. ASA hopes to expand its current diversity in terms of ethnic representation and performance types.
The preparations for the showcase begin in the fall, and the association urges prospective members to come to the interest meeting at the start of the year. “We will have an interest meeting for the showcase to gain interest and establish modes of contact with interested students. Coming to the meetings and following our social media is the best way to become involved.” Mr. Fuss echoed this same appeal. “Reach out to me or my club president… a lot of information can get lost since there isn’t one central database. This is a once-in-a-year opportunity, and I’d hate for students to miss out because they didn’t see the ‘LoeDown that day.”
Follow the Asian Student Association on Instagram: @enloeasa
Reach out via email: [email protected]
