Multicultural Mayhem celebrated cultural diversity at Hamilton College on Nov. 4 at the Events Barn. Dance performances by local community members and a student fashion show highlighted the evening.
The event started with performances from talented young dancers from the Midtown Utica Community Center (MUCC) courtesy of On The Move. MUCC provides a welcoming space where members of the local residents and refugees in Utica can spend some quality time together. A traditional Burmese dance by Zin Masoe was followed by Zainabo Amani and Sharifay Sharifa performing a Somali dance. TOXIK, a hip hop dance group, closed the first part of the night with cheers from the crowd.
Wacheva Dance Group, an African dance group from Syracuse, kicked off the second part of the event. After a powerful performance, the dancers invited the audience for an interactive dance session during which some students learned an African dance routine. Hamilton students were also given the opportunity to showcase their cultural outfits during a fashion show organized by the African Continentals. The audience cheered for the students as they walked down the ramp in their dazzling traditional clothes.
Fiker Haile '19 remarked, "The night was a celebration of diversity in its truest form. In every aspect of the event, from decorations and performances to the fashion show and food, the night highlighted the beauty of diversity. I hope it becomes an annual event.” Claire Han '’19 added "I thought this event successfully brought together young refugees with Hamilton students in a way that strengthened the relationship between these two communities."
The event was sponsored by the International Students Association, Caribbean Students Association, African Continentals, On The Move and Late Nite at Hamilton.
