Taste of Asia Celebration Provides UMW with Diverse Entertainment

By JAMIA JORDAN

“Please don’t fall, please don’t fall,” was on the mind of 20-year-old senior Eniya Lufumpa as she waltzed across the runway in Indian apparel at UMW’s annual Taste of Asia Celebration, held in the Great Hall on Friday Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.

The night opened with a fashion show, where students dressed to impress in ethnic cloths representing different countries in Asia.

Directed by juniors Kellan Latif and Raven Carroll, the fashion show hosted 23 models dressed in garments from Vietnam, India, Afghanistan, Japan and Korea.

Both directors researched information on the clothing types of each country as well as put together the scripts, and helped the models dress backstage get ready.

“It was my first time being in charge of a big event like this so I was nervous at first, but seeing all our hard work on stage almost brought tears to my eyes,” Carroll said.

Lufumpa stood out in her embroidered pink tunic paired with white skinny jeans which added an American flare. She accented the outfit with a vibrant colored scarf which hung from her neck, black high heels, and long beaded earrings.

“It was not a coincidence that I ended up dressing in an Indian garment, as I’ve always wanted to go to India, because their culture is so rich and colorful,” Lufumpa said. “I loved my outfit! It made me feel very cultured in a sense because I was partaking in a cultural experience different from my own. It definitely made me want to go to India more.”

Other models had similar responses when asked what favorite part about participating in this event was there.

“I think clothing is a celebration of life with its unique patterns, sequins, and colors”, said 19-year-old junior Paulina Kosturos.

After strutting on stage she said, “I loved my outfit! It was my second time modeling for Taste of Asia and my second time wearing clothing from India. I definitely want to travel to India now! Aside from the different clothing styles, I enjoyed spinning on stage, although it was semi-frightening. I didn’t want to fall in my heels!”

Kosturos graced the runway in an orange floral Indian garment that hung ankle length on her tall statue. She accented this outfit with a floral printed scarf which hung around her neck. Every model in the show brought their own flare to the runway while posing, smiling, and dancing at various checkpoints on the stage.

Various dance performances from the UMW Step Team, Bhangra, Performing Arts Club, Hindu, and many more groups brought their own sense of style following the fashion show, adding a performing arts flare to this culturally diverse night.

The assortment of foods from all over Asia left everyone who came leaving happy with a great taste of Asia in their mouths. Every year the Taste of Asia Celebration seeks to educate the UMW and Fredericksburg area communities on the richness of Asian heritage culture.

image courtesy of Abbie Rogers/The Bullet