International Day is an opportunity for ethnic clubs and groups from Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) to partake in different cultures and to share each other’s music and friendship as a family. The 33rd annual International Day Festival took place in Alumni Hall at the Student Union on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008.
International Day was set up with tables around the room from the Polish Club, Chinese Club, French Club, Spanish Club, Korean Club, Black Heritage Club, the Hillel Club, and a table representing Alpha Psi Lambda, a Co-ed fraternity. International Day also had entertainment with acts from the Palestinian Dabkah, Urban Sankofa, Ensemble Espanol and an international fashion show. The drum beats of Urban Sankofa filled people’s faces with smiles.
The international fashion show also showed a different side. A delagate from each club represented their ethnic group with the clothing they would wear in their country. Although there were many controversies about the winners, the judges made their decision. First place went to Michalina Maliszewska, an exchange student at NEIU and member of the Polish Club.
“I knew I was going to win because we are always prepared,” said Maliszewska after winning the international fashion show.
Even though many people rooted for, Krzysztof Weylicki, the “Cookie,” he didn’t win.
“I always feel like a winner!” said Weylicki, an exchange student from Poland at NEIU.
Other events included two types of opera performances. Xiao Li Wang, a NEIU graduate student and community member, gracefully sang, while Ye Suh Yoon, a NEIU graduate student, beautifully sang Um Ma Ya Noo Na (Mom and Sister), as well as a piece by Handel called Lacia Chica Pianga. Other Asian-related events consisted of a traditional Korean fan dance, performed by Yoo Jin Ha in traditional garb, called Pu Chae Choom, to the beat of a modern Korean pop song. The Indian Student Association (ISA) also grouped together for a dance show they choreographed over the past couple of months.
More singing and music was involved as well. The French Club gathered together on stage to sing L’amour est Bleu (Love is Blue). The President of the French Club, Amanda Rzany, played a tune with skill on the piano. In addition, the Black Heritage Gospel Choir belted out harmonious melodies to Keep on Making a Way and Magnify.
The Ensemble Espanol executed a magnificent dancing performance. There were skillful movements of the feet and body to the beats of Flamenco music. The members wore Flamenco formal wear, and showed great enthusiasm and joy while dancing. There were variations in their dancing, from the ladies’ performance of a trio while the others clapped in the background, to the gentlemen flaring their matador capes around while the crowd wowed and applauded in amusement.
During intermission, some came to perform their acts again to keep the crowd interested and entertained. The crowd consisted of various students and community members as well as members of the faculty. There were many NEIU foreign exchange students who attended and appeared to enjoy International Day. Hostess Mariya Yordanova, delivered a great deal of effort to please the crowd and hosted a spectacular show.