Diversity Prom Quite Diverse

by Melissa McDonnell // September 28 2009

African warriors mixed with Edwardian princes to create a cultural, culinary and dance extravaganza at the inaugural University of Canterbury Diversity Prom.

Co-president of the University’s 20-Something Club Andrew Phillips said last term’s event was intended to create the opportunity for students of different ethnicities and age groups to bond in a neutral environment and share their cultural backgrounds.

“The idea was to recognise, acknowledge and celebrate diversity at the university,” he said. “We wanted to run a ball of some type that was reasonably different but which complemented the internationalisation on campus.”

The theme encouraged guests to wear formal, ethnic, or whatever attire they felt most comfortable in.

“It is not a necessary a suit and tie event,” explained Phillips. “If that’s not what they consider as being dressed up, then we were keen to see people dressing according to their culture. We want to make people feel as comfortable as possible.”

“Some dressed as traditional Kiwis, some as Persian pirates, but everyone came in some kind of formal wear.”

The prom night resulted from the efforts of a variety of clubs across campus. Spearheaded by RussSoc and the relatively new 20-Something Club, the event was also supported by the Kakariki Environment Club, VegSoc, the African Society (UCAFROS), Student Advisory Services, Golden Key, Fair Trade, and the Poverty Club.

Although tickets cost $30, the event was also partially subsidised by the Student Association’s New Initiative Grant. Its funding was aimed at creating regular social gatherings and an on-campus community to cater for the university’s diverse student demographic.

As the prom’s main aim was to recognise such diversity, the proceedings included a variety of entertainment representing traditional cultures from around the world.

After a salsa dancing demonstration, the crowd was invited to learn a simple dance which involved getting the whole crowd on the dance floor.

“A hundred people on a dance move, with vastly different abilities, made for a brilliant scene,” said Philips.

Other demonstrations included performances from the African Society, dancers from the Thai Buddhist temple, and a performance of Russian classical music using strings, piano and soprano singers.

A selection of cuisine was on offer, with at least one staple dish provided by each of the groups to demonstrate the variety in traditional cultural fare enjoyed by students on campus.

“We didn’t want it to be just a sausages and beer event,” said Phillips.

The evening was capped off with the crowning of a Prom King and Queen, and a Court Jester. The royal couple were suitably attired in their homeland outfits of Scotland and Ethiopia, and the Court Jester award went to Abby Walker, who put a Kiwi spin on the traditional garb by wearing a swandri and tights.

UCAFROS president Firaol Tujuba, from Ethiopia said he definitely enjoyed the evening and would recommend it to all students wanting to meet different people and gain awareness of different cultures across campus.

“I enjoyed everything. The food was abundant and there were people from all over – India, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Africa and Asia. There was a good mix ─ it was very diverse.”

His favourite moment of the evening however, was when his girlfriend, Merry Beder, was crowned prom Queen.

“My second favourite thing was the salsa dance with everyone on the dance floor at the same time,” he said.

Phillips said occasions like these were a chance for students to meet outside the confines of the traditional university surroundings.

“It’s a good opportunity to let people see all these cultures mingle in a different environment, and not just turn up and see each other at cultural meetings.”

“Once things got up and running everything had a charming disharmony to it,” he said. “It all just worked. Everyone problem solved when they hit issues and we had way too much food and a healthy discount on drinks, which always makes for a good time.”

The evening raised $700 for the City Mission, more than the $500 target.

Phillips said the evening’s success meant the clubs intended to collaborate to ensure this was an annual event.

“The UCSA is only looking to increase its multicultural events and we hope to expand this event next year to being even bigger, more exciting and better.”