A night around the world

USD’s international students host 33rd Annual International Expo and Cultural Fashion Show 

The University of San Diego is home to over 1,000 international students. Last Friday, this large student diversity was showcased in the 33rd Annual International Expo and Cultural Fashion Show. In a manner that was both educational and entertaining, the highly anticipated event introduced the cultures and fashions of over 30 countries.

This production wasn’t limited to only clothing: the event also featured a multitude of foods, music, and dances from  around the world. Before the show even began, the audience members’ plates were piled high with a taste of what the night would soon have to offer.

The production was kicked off by a five-minute crowd-interactive African drumming performance. First-year transfer student Noelle Twum-Ampofo shared her thoughts on the drumming performance.

“It was amazing to see such a beautiful display of African culture presented on the USD stage,” Twum-Ampofo said.

Another first-year transfer student Leslie Martinez shared her thoughts on the performance. “I liked the first performance because it was able to showcase their skills and their outfits as well as represent their country,” Martinez said.

The drumming duo acted as a prelude to the rich culture that would follow, as the bright textiles of the region strode down the runway. The countries showcased in this portion of the show included Kenya, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria, among others.

Before each country began their descent down the runway, there was an announcement explaining what each model was wearing and the context in which that outfit would traditionally make its appearance. The show made its way to Central and South America, where students exhibited the flowing fabrics of the Latino heritage. One of the models representing Colombia, first-year Rosalinda Puentes, gave her insight on the experience.

“I had a really great time meeting new people, learning the cultures, and putting myself out there,” Puentes said.

The audience found themselves on a tour of the European countryside as the show made its way from the beautiful dirndl dress of Germany to the traditional berets of France.

Lastly the show arrived in Asia and the Middle East, where the models flaunted the eccentric silk patterns and bold colors home to the area.

First-year Sidney Tookes described what it was like to represent the country of Pakistan. “I loved that I got to celebrate  the diversity while showcasing it,” Tookes said.

Most countries included a variety of models of outside ethnicities. This was a huge hit not only for  the audience, but also among the backstage presence. USD alumna Nhi Vu and her husband Arusi Santi represented Vietnam and spoke about the event.

“It was awesome to see the inclusivity and all of the countries being represented,” Vu said. “There was an Indian student representing Scotland and that was awesome. I loved the feeling and energy backstage because it was so happy,” Santi said.

Sophomore Irina Nadong gave her thoughts as well.

“I like how each culture had a variety of individuals representing them,” Nadong said.

The show ended with a bang as a Bollywood dance performance took the stage. Sophomore Riya Pandit was a dancer in the production.  “Our Bollywood dance team was able to perform in the ISO and this all came from just an idea over Skype, and it’s so great to finally see it in action,” Pandit said.

First-year student Sashi Chhabra was also a part of the Bollywood dance team.

“India has been a really big part of my life and I was happy to show USD my part of heritage,” Chhabra said.

During a time in which strong political divides might present an image of an unwelcoming America, it was heartwarming to witness Toreros happily exchanging cultural sentiments. Seeing the apparel for the different countries around the world was both informative and eye-opening.

Students of all races and ethnicities came together to share  their culture with one another in  a way that was inspiring for all. The next ISO Expo and Cultural Fashion show will be next spring.