2023 TMU International Cultural Dance Night

Taipei Medical University (TMU) witnessed a kaleidoscope of global cultures converging in a mesmerizing display of dance artistry at the recently concluded International Cultural Dance Night, orchestrated by Office of Global Engagement (OGE) and students group OGE Squad. On November 27th, the campus was transformed into a vibrant tapestry of traditions and modern influences, as dancers from various corners of the globe took center stage. 

This competition aimed to highlight the concept of culture, there’s no simple way to define culture, given it changes through generations, the norms and practices we know today may have been different from past generations, so for these breathtaking performances, we gave our dancers creative freedom to take modern culture or their traditional ones to create the most mesmerizing pieces.  

A dazzling lineup of performers, representing nations such as Thailand, Africa, Vietnam, India, Taiwan, Indonesia, and the Caribbean, captivated the audience with their richly diverse expressions of movement. However, the evening held surprises beyond these international offerings, as TMU’s own talented Pop Dance Club. Eric Huang and Cindy Chen, who brought their ballroom dance expertise, alongside a dynamic performance by the K-pop dance club. 

The night was graced by the esteemed presence of Vice President Chang and Dean Chou, whose words of encouragement resonated with both local Taiwanese students and international participants, emphasizing the importance of unity and support across cultural boundaries. 

An illustrious panel of judges, comprising luminaries in the dance industry, including Huang Zheng-Yan, Joyce Chen, and Xie Yu-Shan, meticulously evaluated each performance on criteria ranging from synchronization and cultural expression to choreographic complexity and audience engagement. 

The event commenced with an energetic start, courtesy of the TMU Pop Dance Club, setting an exhilarating tone with their fusion of hip hop, popping, jazz, and locking styles. This dynamic kickoff paved the way for a series of awe-inspiring performances that swept the audience off their feet. 

Eric Huang and Cindy Chen, with their spellbinding Foxtrot, graced the stage, effortlessly gliding through waltz-like movements, showcasing their skill and grace to a captivated audience. 

The evening progressed with a global showcase, each performance a unique cultural narrative. Thailand’s presentation paid homage to the revered Loy Krathong festival, complete with intricately designed props symbolizing the festival’s floating lanterns made from banana leaves and flowers—a heartfelt tribute to the goddess Khongkha. The African team delighted spectators with vibrant dances emblematic of their joyous festivals, while Vietnam’s multifaceted performance took viewers on a journey through “Legend of Ancestral Land,” “Beo, Dat, May Troi,” and the Cheraw dance, weaving tales of tradition and heritage. India’s diverse and energetic presentation mirrored the nation’s cultural tapestry, encompassing elements from various regions and exuding the essence of each part of the country, from north to south and east to west. Taiwan’s performance was a cultural tapestry in itself, interweaving the history of tea culture, indigenous ethnic group traditions, and the evolution of modern societal norms, all expressed through eloquent dance forms and symbolic attire.

Indonesia’s pride in its heritage shone through the Javanese court dance, while the K-pop dance team enraptured the audience with the charismatic diversity of Korean pop music. Closing the night, the Caribbean team, many of whom are members of TMU’s Office of Global Engagement, celebrated life, community, and jubilation. Their performance vividly encapsulated the diverse historical influences that define Caribbean culture. Each performance stood as a testament to the universality of dance, transcending borders and languages, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural mosaic that unites us all.

Now for what we’ve all been waiting for, the winners! While all the performances were included these stood out. The second runner-up we have Vietnam, securing the runner-up position was Taiwan, and claiming the coveted title of victors for the night was India, whose breathtaking showcase left an indelible mark on the audience and judges alike. Their performance, a seamless tapestry of diverse dances captured the spirit of unity amidst diversity. India’s presentation was a masterful portrayal of cultural richness, intricately woven together with passion and finesse, earning them the well-deserved top honor. 

 

The night’s winners—India, Taiwan, and Vietnam—captured the hearts of the audience and reaffirmed the event’s purpose of fostering cross-cultural appreciation and understanding through the universal language of dance. 

TMU’s International Cultural Dance Night was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of unity amidst diversity, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. As the night concluded, winners were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions, acknowledging their ability to bridge cultures through the universal language of dance. 

Follow OGE Squad on Instagram: @tmu.ogesquad