Families, students, and UO faculty gathered on Saturday, April 23, for the UO Vietnamese Student Association’s (VSA) annual Culture Night. Upon arriving at the EMU Ballroom, guests were greeted by a room full of elegant circular tables glowing with candle centerpieces.
Once the guests were settled, the event kicked off with the song “Hello Vietnam” performed by various VSA members accompanied by a guitarist. Two ornate lion costumes then slithered on stage. Tony Ngo, a dancer for Eugene’s CABA Lion Dance Team, said that the lions are meant to “bring in good luck and prosperity.” A deep drum echoed throughout the Ballroom as the performers weaved through the crowd and elongated to full size with dancers hopping on each others’ shoulders.
Published by Ethos Magazine on April 25, 2011.