The International Student organization put on its 11th annual Cultural Showcase Talent Show that took the audience on a trip around the world.
The showcase took place Sunday night in Hendricks Hall. The event consisted of singers, solo dancers, group dances, group bands and even an artist showcasing his one-of-a-kind music synthesizer.
The event was organized by ISO president Yuganesh Gunalan, junior aviation management major and faculty advisor Susan Deck along with other members who met weekly or even daily until opening night.
“The show was not only fun for international students to showcase their talents but it also brought together the Warrensburg community and students from around the world,” Gunalan said.
The show started off with a cultural fashion show that showcased the traditional formal garments from six different countries including Japan, China, Saudia Arabia, Korea, Pakistan and Nepal.
Four Nepali women and men showcased their colorful traditional garments opening the show. Following them were the women and men from Japan, and the women were dressed in the traditional Yukata worn typically during the spring festival.
Next were the Saudi Arabian men dressed in traditional formal attire wearing the Kleding Kopen.
Two women from China also showcased the qipoa dress, worn during the spring. A student from Oman showcased his traditional garment as a solo model. Lastly, two ladies from Pakistan modeled their colorful Balochi gowns.
Following the talent show, a computer science major that goes by the act name “Tharon” showcased his music talents using a synthesizer machine that had only been released a month prior.
“It is the world’s second fluid motion synthesizer,” he said. “I’m really happy to introduce this to UCM.”
Gyubi “Ruby” Shin freshman, cybersecurity major participated in the South Korean K-pop dance team.
“The event was so special and important to me because being united as one from basically all around the world…is so amazing,” Shin said after the event.
Shin said the South Korean k-pop dance team spent weeks listening to music throughout their day, memorizing songs and dance moves to prepare for the show.
The event concluded by inviting all international students on stage for a colorful dance number and following the show the stage was open for freestyle dancing and mingling.
“It’s a great way for them to get their face out and show who they are,” Gunalan said.