Students encouraged to Tip-Toe into Asia
The Asian American Student Council (AASC) will host their annual “Tip-Toe into Asia” event Friday to teach students and the community about their culture.
“A lot of students are Americanized and they want to share the culture they have grown up with,” said Jael Thompson, multi-cultural program coordinator.
Thompson said Tip-Toe into Asia has been going on for nine years and was started by students. The event, planned by AASC members, will include dinner, several performances and a fashion show.
For the performances, James Akagi, AASC’s activities and recruitment officer, said he really wanted to “spice things up” so he has been working extra hard to get strong performances for this year’s show. They will have Taiko drummers, a Taekwondo performance, a dance number from India and the annual fashion show.
“I’ve worked with many amazing and generous people who have helped out a lot. The credit isn’t mine, it belongs to all of those who have volunteered their time and talents to make this year’s show simply spectacular,” Akagi said.
Akagi said he got involved with AASC and Tip-Toe into Asia because he is proud of his culture and wanted to learn about other cultures as well.
Akagi said the theme for the fashion show is “Then and Now” and will feature clothing from a variety of Asian cultures with traditional dress and modern clothing.
Kuen Lin Liou, who handles public relations for AASC, said the event is a representation of the Asian communities in Utah and its culture.
Liou said he is grateful he is a part of AASC because it has taught him how to be responsible and he said it is a good way to learn about the Asian culture.
“I think it’s great because with the performances it allows us to show some Asian talents that we never would have known about,” said Alyson Oka, AASC president.
Oka joined AASC last year to do service hours for a scholarship she received. She said she enjoyed learning about other students’ cultures and learning about the different countries in Asia she didn’t know about. Oka said she has been involved with the event ever since.
Amy Chanthalyxay, AASC treasurer said, “One year at Tip-Toe I found out that there is this one family who comes every year and brings their two daughters who are from China and Korea. I admire them for trying to teach their daughters about their culture and that this is a part of them.”
Chanthalyxay said though the girls are young and may not understand what is going on, she appreciates what their parents are trying to do for them. Chanthalyxay also said Tip-Toe gives Asian students a chance to re-connect with their culture.
“We make it a low-cost event because we want as many students and community members as we can to come to the event,” Thompson said.
Most of the money that will be generated from the event will go toward the cost of the activity. However, most of those helping to organize the event are volunteers, so some profit will be made, Thompson said.
“Our ultimate goal is we want a quality event for the students to enjoy,” Thompson said.
Tip-Toe into Asia will be Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the TSC Ballroom. Tickets are $10 for dinner and the show and $5 for only the show. Contact Jael Thompson, 435-797-2326, for more information.
– chelsee.niebergall@aggiemail.usu.edu