The Central Asian Student Association hosted a cultural celebration in the Union Ballroom last night, intending to immerse University of Wyoming students and the general public in Central Asian culture.
The event offered a free meal and entertainment, including traditional Central Asian singing, dancing and a fashion show to display traditional dance attire. The atmosphere was very inviting and open, with soft lights and a variety of bright silks and traditional music.
Dilnoza Khasilova, president of the association, organized the event. She said this was the second function they put into place in order to celebrate and give a better understanding of the Central Asian culture.
“It is personally very important to me,” Khasilova said. “I am sharing my beliefs and trying to bring more positive thoughts about the Muslim culture. Since I am graduating, I want to leave the university something special and go on to be an ambassador for both Uzbekistan and the United States.”
Khasilova introduced the festivities with the traditional Uzbekistan greeting, “Peace to you, and to your home, and family.” She also performed a solo dance during the event.
Dr. Marianne Kamp, Associate Proffesor of Modern Middle East, Modern Central Asia, and the Soviet Union, also spoke to those in attendance.
“What they [the association] are trying to do is to share the amazing aspects of their culture,” she told the crowd, “which is very hospitable.”
The function was very audience-oriented and dancers frequently invited people to the floor. Zamira Salim, the visiting dance coordinator, said she loved performing in front of such a supportive audience. Salim taught art and gave dance lessons in a New York studio for the past six years. She began performing all over the world, but now just travels throughout the United States. She said she thought events like this were valuable understand to those outside the culture..
“It brings cultural awareness about Central Asia’s art, culture and countries,” she said. “It preserves our cultural identity and continues it to future generations. It shows the most important thing, which is our cultural heritage.”
Several Uzbekistan children attending the event talked about their home country, highlighting their a few of their favorite things, including the rice, traditional bread and the kitchens. The children, who spoke two languages – Uzbeck and English – said they were attending to celebrate their roots.
“The outfits are traditional dancing outfits made from silk and colored with natural dyes,” said attendee Zarifa Dushdurova. “In our culture every girl needs to learn how to make their own hat and how to embroider it.”
Central Asian students at the event were grateful for something that reminded them a little of their own background.
“The music was really good because I can relate to it,” said Arsalan Zolfaghari, a Central Asian graduate student in Petroleum Engineering.
“The food and the colors and lighting were awesome.”
“The event was amazing,” agreed Lindsey Haines, junior in Speech Language and Hearing and Disability Science. “My favorite parts were the dancing, the traditional outfits and the food. The events taking place to exhibit culture are awesome and great for students.”
Khasilova, president of the association, said they were holding a third event on Thursday and were planning to facilitate more events pertaining to Central Asian culture in the near future.
