Asian Fest Returns with Epic Cross-Continent Spectacle

K-pop Club performs “Attitude” by Ive. *Photo: Ning Zheng*

By LAMEYA KABIR, NING ZHENG, and MUEEZ MANZOOR

From the moment the lights dimmed and the first beat echoed through the auditorium, it was clear this was more than just a show. On February 11 and 12, Asian Fest returned, showcasing cultures from across Asia through student-led performances. From the traditional art and dances of China to the music of the Indian subcontinent or more, Asian Fest was a way for students to show their pride and expose others to the wonders of their cultures.

After the school band opened the show, coordinators Mr. Luis Cuevas and Ms. Dan Sun welcomed the audience with opening remarks before commissioners Hamida Nazarova ‘26 and Zhiqi Li ‘27 officially kicked things off.

The program opened with South Asia’s vibrant performance to “Fagunero Mohonai,” immediately drawing cheers from the crowd. Dancers filled the stage with expressive movements and colorful outfits that reflected cultural traditions, emanating an energy that set a strong tone for the rest of the evening.

“Timing and coordination are very important,” said Medha Das ‘26, one of the South Asian student directors, who learned all the choreography herself before teaching it to her group. In addition to leading rehearsals, she selected music, coordinated costumes, and ensured formations stayed sharp.

“Some of the steps can be difficult and require a lot of practice,” said Nafia Alam ‘26, who represented South Asia as both a dancer and model.

East Asia followed with a high energy medley of J-pop, K-pop, and C-pop. Sharp transitions and synchronized formations kept the pace fast as familiar beats echoed through the auditorium. Dancers moved confidently across the stage, blending modern pop with cultural pride.

“I just started screaming along with the song,” said audience member Tahreema Taher ‘27. “I don't think I’ve been this loud at a school event!”

Southeast Asia brought lively choreography and expressive bows that highlighted tradition and grace. Intricate hand movements and vibrant costumes reflected weeks of rehearsal and added elegance to the fast-paced lineup.

Behind the curtain, the atmosphere was fast paced and intense. Performers rushed through costume changes in seconds while friends fixed hair, adjusted microphones, and secured outfits just seconds before cues, turning the chaos behind the curtain into some of the most exciting parts of the experience.

One memorable backstage moment for senior Charlotte Li happened during a rushed 20 second costume change when her layered dress became tangled just before her entrance. She almost decided not to go on, but her friend stepped in. “She stared into my soul and said, ‘No. You’re making it!’” she said.

“Everyone would just cheer and pat each other's backs, offering encouragement before heading on stage,” said dancer Vincent Liu ‘26.

Next, West Asia energized the crowd with bold modeling and powerful dances. Strong runway walks and rhythmic music showcased cultural pride while drawing loud cheers.

Even the crew felt the excitement. Katherine Omari ‘27 worked on sound while also performing in South Asia. “The sound crew was a blast and everyone got along so well,” she said. “The show was spectacular and all the hard work clearly paid off.”

Central Asia showcased strong formations and confident stage presence. As gratifying as it was, Director Aisulu Munduzbaeva ‘27 was sad to see things come to an end. “It feels empty now that the show is over,” she said. “For the month of rehearsals, being surrounded by people I truly connected with, it felt like home.”

While performers dazzled on stage, emcees kept the energy alive between acts. Stephanie Chan ‘27 said, “I made sure to know which performances were coming up and what the energy of those performances was like so that I could adjust my tone. I incorporated humor and added interactive moments where the audience could cheer or express their excitement.”

Lastly, in what has become a yearly tradition, Dr. Robert Quinlan made an appearance, posing in a traditional Chinese outfit alongside the performers, a fitting end to a night dedicated to celebrating culture and community.

He described Asian Fest as a “collection of the diversity of the Midwood student population, which in turn exemplifies the diversity of Asia itself.”

Zhiqi Li said, “Preparation was hard, but I’m extremely proud because when we saw all the performances come together, we felt that everything was worth it since it looked so amazing and coordinated. To be honest, Asian Fest was my only motivation to come to school during those months of preparation.”

For many performers, building confidence was a major part of the journey. “Being on a stage with so much of an audience can be overwhelming, but over the years I’ve learned to believe in myself more,” said Ryan Liu ‘26, who performed in K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop.

“Rehearsal was a mix of sweet moments and challenges,” J-Pop President Yanna Cheung ‘26 said. “It was a way for every member to share their passion for dance and create bonds we didn’t expect to make.”

She explained that the club doesn’t only copy what idols have done before. “We try our best to replicate choreography through similar expression and style, but we also add our own creativity through remixes and choreographing routines that complement the original performance,” she said.

Hannah Luo ‘27 of the K-Pop Board added, “We spent a lot of time breaking down the dances, cleaning up details, and running them repeatedly to build muscle memory.”

The show was a long time coming, with commissioners being selected in April, then performers being cast by September. Early hour dance rehearsals started January 5, and students arrived at 8.00 a.m. every Saturday for more practice. As the show neared its final days of preparation, members also practiced from 11th period until 6 p.m. every weekday.

Organizing a production of this scale required months of planning. “My co-commissioner and I made spreadsheets, communicated with all our directors, and settled all the acts first,” said Zhiqi Li.

Backstage member Charlene Zheng described some “high-pressure” moments days before the show when new additions required last-minute backboards and the need to plan for limited supplies like confetti poppers.

“A lot happens behind the scenes that the audience doesn’t see,” she said. “We let performers know their cues and handle curtains, fog machines, props, and other equipment. Although it’s chaotic behind the curtains, we all work together to make the show run smoothly.”

Despite the many challenges, the night unfolded seamlessly.

“It’s honestly been such a good time to see all of us connect within one show,” said Omar Hatab ‘27, who represented Egypt in West Asia modeling.

In the end, Asian Fest is about more than representation.

“I simply want this to be a message to everyone in Midwood that if you have your heart set on something, please go for it,” said Vivienne Ward ‘28, who represented C-pop, J-pop, K-pop, and Southeast Asia. “If you want to join a cultural fest, do not hold back because it’s not your culture. Join all the fests. Celebrate all the cultures.”

For seniors, the production marked the end of an important time of their high school lives, and for others, it was the start of new friendships, new leadership roles, and new traditions. For two nights, Asian Fest turned the auditorium into a home filled with unity. And as the lights dimmed once more, the show left behind memories that will last long after the applause fades.