The importance of community has always been one of the guiding principles of Skyline College. With the amount of diversity on our campus, Skyline has hosted several events from different cultural groups to help expand other people’s knowledge of history and to reach out to the community. After the success of the 2008 Asian Culture Week, the coordinators are currently preparing another exceptional program for this year’s Skyline College Asian Culture Showcase.

The purpose of the event is to showcase several different aspects of Asian culture through interpretive dance and music. It will feature performances from the China Dance School & Theatre which is run by Kaiwen You. A dance instructor here at Skyline, You is a coordinator of the Asian Culture Showcase along with Dr. Hui Pate, the project coordinator for the study abroad program. They view this event as a way to improve upon our community’s understanding of different cultures.

“Skyline is really like a global village…and we want to create a harmony and melody on our campus and throughout the Bay Area,” said Dr. Pate, who teaches business classes here at Skyline and also serves as the program coordinator for the Title VI-A grant for undergraduates in foreign language studies. “Our goal is to open up our students’ vision.”

Dr. Pate hopes to expand other’s knowledge of Asian history and culture through the upcoming showcase which she hopes will attract interest to her study abroad program. Every year, Skyline organizes a trip to China over the summer where students can participate in tours of the country and learn from local professionals. Dr. Pate believes that “not only can students learn about different cultures, but we also want to be able to bring them to that environment.” Students who have participated in this program have described it as a life-changing experience.

Dr. Pate mentioned that the construction of Building 4 will also bring in a Multicultural Center for students. “The Center promises to be a popular spot on campus and a focal point for cultural events of many kinds,” said President of Skyline, Victoria Morrow. When asked about last year’s Asian Culture Showcase, Morrow replied, “I attended…and found it to be a fascinating and beautiful look at one aspect of Chinese culture.”

Professor You envisions “doing more things with our college [and] with this event, we can understand each other more.” As one of the founders of San Francisco’s China Dance School & Theatre, Kaiwen You is an award winning choreographer, author and teacher with over fifty successful dance productions and a series of published textbooks including Learning Dance from the Masters. Professor You currently trains students in different styles of Chinese dance both at the China Dance School & Theatre and at Skyline College.

When asked about the styles in particular, he described each dance as being influenced by its geographical region. “Dancing is like language,” said Professorr You. He described different styles of dance as “defined by their history and culture…varying from contemporary and classic styles of dance from each region of Asia…each style is completely different from each other.”

Unfortunately, with the recent budget cuts at Skyline, this year’s event has been scaled back in comparison to last year. Previously, it was a weeklong event featuring film screenings, an art show, a food fest and the dance performance. Given the current state of our budget, it will only feature the dance performance. However, that hasn’t stopped the coordinators from doing everything they can to still organize the event. “Skyline and it’s faculty have been very helpful in getting this event produced,” said Professor You.

Joseph Morello Jr., Dean of Physical Education, has actively supported Mr. You and Dr. Pate in their productions. “It’s a team effort,” said Mr. Morello. “I’m thrilled that we’re having this on our campus and can assist the production in any way possible.”

If you are interested in experiencing the 2009 Asian Culture Showcase, it will take place on Saturday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Main Theater. Tickets are priced at $20 and can be ordered by calling Skyline College’s Physical Education, Athletics & Dance department at (650) 738-4194 or the China Dance School & Theatre at (415) 279-8938.