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URSW Cultural Diversity Summer Festival
August 23-24, 2003

Performance Arts Highlights
By Dawn Thao-Yang

The URSW Multi-cultural Diversity Summer Festival brought together many fine talents this year. The performing arts provide one of the most dramatic windows into any culture. It is extremely important to support refugee youth by giving them the opportunity to showcase their culture through performance arts. The shows were not just for entertainment, they provided a great learning experience for all viewers.

It was exciting to see ten dance groups from all over Wisconsin competing in the culture show’s dance competition. Tradition Thai, Lao, Hmong, and Indian dances were all performed. All groups dressed in beautiful costumes from all areas of South East Asia. Each group performed three different routines throughout the day, hoping to win over the judges. Click here for the Performing Arts Photo Gallery.

Another much anticipated show was the United Refugee Beauty Scholarship Competition. Nine young women from all areas of Wisconsin competed for the crown this year. Each of these ladies represented a different Refugee group, ranging from Lao and Hmong to Cambodian nationalities. It was a competitive show because each young woman brought in her own talents and skills to show.

The culture show ran throughout the day into the late hours at the Alliant Energy Center. Everyone was eager to hear the announcement of the winners this year. It was a close call for the dance competition. First place went to Nkauj Hmoob Samnua from Milwaukee. Hmoob Tsim Nuj proudly accepted 2nd place and the young Fantasy Girls from Appleton, WI took 3rd place. The crowning moment for the Beauty Pageant came with Kashoua Yang taking 1st place. May Yang from Green bay won 2nd place and Chean Em from Sun Prairie took 3rd.

Every contestant this year demonstrated excellent cultural awareness . Being able to showcase themselves and their talents is a true personal achievement for each of them. Congratulations to everyone who has made this year’s culture show a success! See you next year when the festivities will start all over again!

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