By Lian Bunny
Photo Editor
The Bonaventure community can enjoy Indian food, culture and a little bit of drama at the upcoming Asia Students in Action (ASIA) dance team performance.
ASIA is a St. Bonaventure club whose goal is to integrate Asian culture into American culture and to increase cultural awareness on campus, team members said. The ASIA dance team tries to achieve this goal through dance performances.
The upcoming show titled “Kahaani: A Journey Through Asia” will premiere Wednesday, Nov. 11 in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $3 for students and $5 for the general public. After the performance, there will be a reception with refreshments and Indian food.
According to dance captain Ruby Shah, the plot will involve a prince, played by junior modern languages major Peter Bertoldo, searching through Asia for his kidnapped princess, senior biology major Megan Cross. Along the way, Bertoldo will encounter people who introduce him to different types of dances, cultures and traditions.
Junior ASIA dance captain Nisha Patel said this year’s routine will be different from past years.
“(The show) incorporates more of the student body and involves many students that are not normally in Asia,” said Patel. “It revisits a story all of us know from our childhood with a twist. It will not only be entertaining but will also bring cultural awareness to the audience in a comedic way.”
Shah agreed and said the event will include the Step Team, the Hip Hop Team and the introduction of ASIA’s acapella group called the Bollycoustics. Seniors Alicia Broadbent and Anna Martin will emcee the show to help the audience navigate its journey with the prince through Asia.
Both Patel and Shah have been a part of ASIA since their freshman year. Shah said joining ASIA allowed her to show people Asian culture.
“I joined ASIA because I wanted to contribute to promoting diversity on our campus and allow others to be exposed to the many beautiful aspects of Asian people and culture,” Shah said. “Another reason I joined is because I absolutely love dancing.”
Patel agreed and said it allows her to remember her background.
“It was a way to keep rooted with my Indian culture even when I’m away from home.”
According to Shah, ASIA also plans many other events that do not involve dancing. She said she encourages anyone to join the club.
“You don’t have to know how to dance to be part of this club,” Shah said. “A common misconception is that the only thing ASIA does is dance, which is not true at all. We have three main events each year (Diwali, Lunar New Year and Holi), and the other ‘non-dancers’ help out with organizing these events. Anyone and everyone can join.”
Those interested can contact Patel at patelnp13@bonaventure.edu or Shah at shahr12@bonaventure.edu.
bunnyla13@bonaventure.edu
