The truest expression of a people is in its dance and in its music.

The SDU International cultural Festival and Welcome Party was an event that definitely was worth the wait. The warm and comfortable atmosphere created by glowsticks, colorful stage design and balloons ensured that the room vibrated with life and entertainment, as the students and teachers with their brightly decorated costumes and national wear entertained the audience.

It was a pleasure to see the enormous talent that the students of Shandong University have and were able to show. Hundreds of students gathered to witness this event in a space where boundaries didn’t exist and the language of music and dance was universal. Whether or not one understood the words of the song, one was enticed by the fluent movements of bodies and upbeat rhythms.

The evening started out on a high note with the energetic performance of the JICF dancers with their hip-hop style display entitled Bayete, wetted one’s appetite in anticipation for what was to come…

And honestly the other performers did not disappoint us. They danced their hearts out from Mongolia to Sri. Lanka and back to China, the dances were with a variety of genres and songs needed no translation.

The vibrant energy in the room from the applauses from the crowd showed that they indeed were pleased.

And the most exciting was the participation of the teachers in the performances with their spicy, sizzling routine. Wow! Even our laoshi’s are talented!!!

The Calligraphy, dance and song combination were definitely engrossing. If I may, I think it deserves to be put on display.

The dramatic presentation was definitely one most students were familiar with. It was rather amazing to note that even though I have not been at SDU for more than two months, I laughed at the right moments , and that only means that all the studying and homework has started to pay off. “Wo zhidao yidiar hanyu (I know a bit Chinese).” It was hilarious!

The night was definitely a highlight to my SDU life. My wish is that there will be more platforms like this for students to showcase their talents. I’m sure it took a lot of hard work and dedication for the students of the CIE to pull this off, and on behalf of the international students, we salute you and we thank you for putting together a brilliant show. To the international students, I hope we can see more of the talents you have. To the administration, thank you for creating space for us to learn and play. To the performers, keep Shining!!!

Happy birthday to one of our host… Zhuni shengri kuaile!

And last but not the least, it was a good time we don't even have to try; it's always a good time.

Doesn't matter when

It's always a good time then

Doesn't matter where

It's always a good time there

Doesn't matter when

It's always a good time!

The second from the right side: Jennings Kayshell

Written by Jennings Kayshell from Gynana

Edited by Xie Tingting