International night creates a global perspective
by Bjanka Mujicic

This year, I participated in only one performance. That left me with ample room for observation, so I watched as students frantically changed into their outfits for belly-dancing and tango, and switch to a costume for Pandanggo or Korean Fan dance.

Similarly, I took on the culture of another by performing in a dance from India, a country that could not be farther from my own. Participating in International Night – the frequent practices, bonding, and of course, the last minute hectic panic all leading up to the one night was an experience so different, that there is nothing else like it. International Night at Northside makes such an experience possible; it allows performers and those watching to fully absorb themselves in a unique multi-cultural experience.

International Night, commonly referred to as I-Night, is an annual event sponsored by Asian Club. Talented performers display the culture of the Philippines, India, Vietnam, China, Japan, Ireland, Poland, Ukraine, Latin America, Korea, and many others through dance, music, and song. Students from all backgrounds not only participate in the event, but watch it as well. What follows is a marvelous sharing of cultures, a mixing of music, and creation of a melting pot rarely seen in other schools.

Students participating in multiple performances exemplify the importance of I-Night. One student may take part in any dance ranging from the Irish dance to Indonesian Hand dance, while another may spend her weeks practicing a belly dance, a tango, a bachata, and a modern hip-hop routine simultaneously. I-Night hosts a bounty of performers who are enthusiastic to represent a country, regardless of whether it is their own or not. In a way, International Night is an event run entirely by students intent on representing every culture while also celebrating the achievements of each group. The time and energy needed to put on a show as big as I-Night calls for commendable patience and a genuine interest in a celebration of culture. Planning for performances during I-Night start as early as October and tryouts for the event begin as early as December. On the other hand, The Asian-American Heritage Month festival at Daley Plaza was enjoyable but did not have nearly as many attendees, while I-Night at Northside is praised as having more performances that look well prepared. Many other institutions do not celebrate diversity as well as Northside does. This is because the commitment to a global atmosphere is very high.

Whether it is the performers, the event coordinators, or the audience, everyone who has a hand in I-Night plays a part in making Northside a more diverse environment. I-Night is not just like any other school event: it is an opportunity to take in a little bit of every culture present at Northside and, subsequently, become a person with a more global outlook and a greater cultural appreciation.