Unity in diversity: highlights from Tsinghua Gala Night 2024

"The dance also incorporates profound gestures and expressions, conveying the Mongolian people's deep reverence and gratitude toward nature and life," he added.

Quite distinct from the Mongolian dance, which originated from the grassland, Japan's Soran Bushi Dance was born near the sea. As a traditional folk performance originating from Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido, the dance was performed by a group of Japanese students at the gala.

"Initially conceived as a ritual for fishermen to pray for the sea god's blessings, the dance has evolved into a significant representative of Japanese culture and a celebration that reflects the unity of the community and the preservation of cultural heritage," said Yukino Ito, one of the Japanese performers and a junior student at Tsinghua's School of Journalism and Communication.

In addition to traditional culture, pop culture was also celebrated at the gala. The Vibin' Gang band, with members from the United States, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Germany, presented a lively performance of the US pop rock band Maroon 5's hit song Payphone, showcasing choir vocals, beatboxing, and rap. Their goal was to deliver a vibrant performance, fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The gala also featured students from Beijing Foreign Studies University, who presented a dance, titled Dreams in the Painted Journey. The performance revolved around a drawing depicting an old Chinese Buddhist tale. The story follows a young adventurer exploring ancient murals. My favorite part was when the protagonist reached out his hands to the murals in the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang. The murals came to life, with the ethereal fabric of the heavens swirling around him.

As the event drew to a close, Indonesian student Alvin Han delivered a soul-stirring solo rendition of Zhuixun (The Pursuit), the theme song of the 2009 Chinese historical movie The Founding of a Republic. This magnificent melody aimed to convey the spirit of unity, adding a touch of pure magic to the evening's grand finale.

I'm proud to see the gala conclude successfully, not only due to the outstanding performances but also because it provided a platform for students to showcase their native cultures to peers from other countries. This facilitated a blending of diverse traditions, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for all.

Written by Kor Zhe Yi, a Malaysian student from the Department of Automation, Tsinghua University.