Unity in diversity: highlights from Tsinghua Gala Night 2024

The Tsinghua International Students & Scholars' Gala Night, affectionately known as the "Gala Night", has been a cherished tradition for over three decades.

Annually, as the year draws to a close, it unites the university's 3,000 international students from more than 120 countries in a harmonious celebration of the new year.

In my capacity as the president of the Association of International Cultural Exchange and the primary student coordinator for the event, I'm honored to have had the challenging yet meaningful task of orchestrating an evening that transcends borders and fosters lasting connections among international and Chinese students.

Just like every other Gala Night, this year's event, held on Dec 15, showcased a myriad of captivating performances.

The night commenced with the performance of the 24 Festive Drums, a mesmerizing fusion of the 24 solar terms on the Chinese lunar calendar and calligraphy, as well as the traditional lion dance drumming.

This performance unfolded each solar term with unique drum beats, accompanied by spirited shouts, dynamic movements, and captivating formations. Beyond its rhythmic prowess, it carried a profound significance in preserving and showcasing the essence of both Chinese and Malaysian culture.

"From the traditional simplicity of Malay dance to the graceful elegance of Chinese dance, we took you on a vibrant journey through a cultural feast of colors and lights," said Heng Rok Meng, one of the Malaysian performers and a senior student majoring in software engineering at Tsinghua.

"The dance is both a heartfelt homage to Malaysia's profound cultural legacy and a radiant wish for a future where all communities join hands in pursuit of harmony and prosperity," added Khor Zin, another Malaysian performer and a senior student in the Department of Construction Management.

One performance that left an impression on me was the Mongolian dance, which portrayed the vastness of the grasslands and the courage of its people.

"The movements in Mongolian traditional dance are predominantly characterized by powerful yet gentle and fluid motions. The dance incorporates distinctive actions such as horseback riding, wrestling, and archery, which are unique to the nomadic cultures of the grasslands," said Jay Barkhasbaatar, one of the performers and a Mongolian student at Tsinghua's School of Economics and Management.

"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.