As midterm week gained momentum and students juggled tests and papers, I expected a rehearsal for Fusion, the annual Connecticut College Asian/Asian American Student Association (CCASA)-sponsored, pan-Asian performance, to be tense and low in energy. As I entered the Fusion run-through last Friday, however, I experienced just the opposite. Performers bustled about the 1941 room, discussing choreography while marking dances with their arms in small, dynamic motions. Choreographers and musicians chattered, as other students set up a video camera and the sound system.
The directors of the production, Zooey Gonzales ’11, Madeline Noi ’12, and Anakena Paddon ’12, sat at a long table, giving dancers feedback on their performances. Despite the nerves that come along with performing new pieces, there is a buzz of excitement in the air.
In case you are a freshman or have not heard about Fusion in the past years, here’s a bit of background information. For twelve years, CCASA put on performances titled Diwali, focusing strictly on the Hindi Festival of Lights. Then, in order to expand the variety of cultures involved, the show transformed into Intoxicasian and, finally, to Fusion.
Now, any student who wants to choreograph a dance that originated in Asia and perform it for peers, faculty and family is welcome to. Part of what makes this show a highlight of the semester is the fact that it is all-inclusive and is a different experience for participants and audiences every year.
As I sat down with Gonzales, I asked her about her personal interest in the show and what she thought about the progression from Diwali to Fusion. Without hesitation she stated, “It was exciting to open up possibilities, and increase participation and involvement in the show. During my sophomore year, I was able to choreograph a traditional Filipino folk dance and showcase my heritage. The transition to Fusion has allowed so many more students to contribute their cultures as well. At the end of my junior year, I asked if I could direct the show. I wanted to give back to a production that I’ve loved being a part of since my freshman year. I am so grateful for this experience. As a member of the CCASA executive board, this opportunity as a director has allowed me to strengthen the mission of CCASA and reach out to the wider college community.”
Most students who have choreographed for this year’s performance have been avidly involved in the production since their freshman year. Sally Zuar ’11 is choreographing a piece to a Hindi song from the film Dil Se called “Chaiyya Chaiyya.” She described where she got her inspiration for the piece. “‘Chaiyya Chaiyya,’ literally means “walk in the shade.” It is one of India’s most popular songs and also very popular in the United Kingdom. You will often hear “Chaiyya Chaiyya” played during cultural and festive events throughout India. “Chiayya Chaiyya” was featured in the opening of the second act of the musical Bombay Dreams, and much of the choreography for the piece was taken from this sequence. The most challenging part of performing this piece is reenacting the movement atop a vehicle, as this scene of the film was recorded live on a moving train.”
The most important part of the choreographic process, adds Zuar, is spending time and getting to know the dancers better. Similar to Zuar, Fusion has provided Tremana White ’11 and Penny Jade Beaubrun ’11 with a learning experience as teachers and dancers. This year, they choreographed a belly dancing piece. Although belly dancing originated in the Middle East, it has transformed due to influences from central Asia. This year’s belly dancing choreography incorporates a variety of styles.
Bollywood and belly dancing are just of a taste of what Fusion has to offer. Fusion showcases classic styles of dance that have been in past performances, such as Bhangra and martial arts demonstrations. The program is packed with contrasting energies, from a graceful and light Chinese Water Sleeve dance to upbeat K-Pop (the K stands for Korean).
It is also refreshing to see a large number of students involved in the production, rather than seeing the same cast members in each piece. There is variety between performances, and performers. The show does not cut students. Many participants have a great deal of experience performing while others have never been exposed to the style of dance they are performing until this year. This is a valuable aspect of the show, considering how many Connecticut College performances showcase similar casts who are used to performing the same styles.
If this were not enough incentive to attend, CCASA and co-sponsor SAC donate the majority of profits to a different charity annually. This year, Fusion is partnering with a social cause through Enlightenment Through Books, or ETB, a program that aims to build a school for girls in Pakistan, where women’s education is discouraged. This school will be built by an organization called “Developments in Literacy” with help from Connecticut College student fundraising. Supporting the ETB program was an idea proposed by Karam Sethi ’12, who is currently studying abroad. Knowing directly where the money for tickets is going is rewarding for the cast as well as the audience.
So if Pad Thai and performance sounds like a great combo, buy tickets in Cro or Harris for Fusion November 13. The show is intimately arranged with a small stage in the 1962 room in Cro and circular tables will encourage a social atmosphere as you enjoy a savory dinner catered by Jasmine Thai. Mark the date on your calendars and see what all the excitement is about! •
