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The Asian American Association of Notre Dame presented its annual showcase, Asian Allure, on Friday, Nov. 3 and Saturday, Nov. 4 from 7-9 p.m. Cosponsored by the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies, Asian Allure is a cultural showcase of performances from Asia-related student clubs as well as from independent student groups. Junior student and show director Brian Johny gave this year’s show the theme “Carrying the Legacy.” “The theme is inspired by [my] mother, and essentially encapsulates how the show is a homage to our predecessors who have woven the tapestry of culture and love in our lives,” said Johny.

Ahead of the two-day event, sophomore student and marketing director for the event, Arisa Custodio, promoted Asian Allure in a 10-day countdown on the Asian American Association’s Instagram account (@aaaofnd). Each post featured a student donning a piece of clothing or holding an item, along with a description of its cultural significance. “Our marketing team really managed to further grasp the theme of ‘Carrying the Legacy’ and further inform the public on bits and pieces of Asian culture,” said Johny.

The showcase, which was separated into two acts with a 15-minute intermission in between, featured a variety of performances, such as a lion dance by the Vietnamese Student Association (VSAND), Bollywood fusion by the South Asian Student Association (SASA), hula by the Club of Hawaii and modern dance by the Chinese Cultural Society (CCS).

Before major performances, videos were played that showed a student participant interviewing a loved one. Johny, who came up with this idea, said, “The video is not merely a video but also a family narrative, showcasing the beauty and long-lasting nature of culture.”

Asian Allure celebrates the cultures and traditions of Asia and shares them with the greater Notre Dame community. Johny said, “Asian Allure is not only a way to learn about culture, it is the mode in which any individual can experience and relish the beauty of Asian culture.”