We recognise the strength and wisdom of the land on which we gather today.
We would like to acknowledge that the land on which we are situated is the traditional and ancestral land of the Orang Laut Orang Laut, who also refer to themselves as Orang Pulau, are nomadic sea peoples who have inhabited these islands since at least the 16th century These were and are the traditional lands of people who have been forcibly removed, and who face ongoing struggles for survival and identity in the face of dispossession and settler colonialism We acknowledge the ground on which we stand so that all who come here know that we recognize our responsibilities to the peoples of that land and that we strive to address that history so that it guides our work in the present and the future.
We also wish to extend our respect for the communities beyond Singapore and honour their historical and contemporary contributions. There are 476 million Indigenous people around the world spread across more than 90 countries. They belong to more than 5,000 different Indigenous peoples and speak more than 4,000 languages Indigenous people represent 5% of the world’s population, the vast majority of them – 70% – live in Asia This rich cultural heritage and enduring resilience continue to shape and inspire the global community, reminding us of the importance of preserving and honoring their legacy
Our theme this year is Under the Same Sky
We hope that through CultuRama we enact our mission and continue to strive for acceptance, respect and equity amongst all peoples CultuRama is a vibrant panorama of the diverse culture represented at UWCSEA East We aim to weave together the unique threads of different cultures to create a tapestry of movement, music, and storytelling
In the course of human history 117 billion people have walked on this earth and what connects us to all is the very same sky that we live under today The shooting stars we’ve wished upon, the sunsets and sunrises we’ve admired, and the blazing sun and glistening moon. It is no wonder that the skies have been a place of wonder across all cultures and time.
Tonight, we invite you to journey through those skies to experience what it feels like to stand under the sky through different cultures and nations. Please give your full energy and enthusiasm to support the performers tonight!
"The logo for Culturama features a globe surrounded by the national flowers of the 16 performing countries.
I chose this design because the globe represents connection across cultures, while the flowers highlight the individuality and beauty of each nation Together, they symbolise the diversity of countries uniting under the same sky "
Georgie Bennet G12
S P o k e n w o r d
i n d i a
S p a i n
S p o k e n w o r d - J o u r n e y A r o u n d T h e W o r l d
E C u a d o r a n d b o l i v i a
I t a l y
S p o k e n w o r d - D i f f e r e n t P l a c e s , S a m e S k y
E n g l a n d
J o r d a n a n d E g y p t
S P o k e n w o r d - A S e a o f S t a r s
E l S a l v a d o r a n d h o n d u r a s
C H i n a
S p o k e n w o r d - T o g e t h e r , W e L o o k U p
A o t e a r o a N e w Z e a l a n d a n d T h e M a r s h a l l I s l a n d s
D e m o c r a t i c R e p u b l i c o f C o n g o a n d Z a m b i a
J A P A n
F i n a l e
SPOKEN WORD
Daphine Nakamya,
Writers and Performers:
By
A r d i
Our piece explores how different cultures are both unique and similar at the same time It conveys the idea that even though we have different roots, we are still united under the same sky
Our poem is about two different African girls. One is lucky enough to find proper education and a chance to experience a privileged life but the other doesn't The poem shows the sharp contrast between their lives, despite being of similar race and gender and existing under the same sky The poem emphasizes the notion that we may exist in the same universe but not all are as comfortable as we are, and it is our duty to understand each other's differences and struggles and make the world different for the better of everyone
Joy Zhang - Grade 10,; Siyona Chiranewal, Annie Liu - Grade 9
SPOKEN WORD
S p o k e n W o r d : ‘ A S e a o f S ta r s ’ by s i y o n a
My piece is about how conforming and shedding culture can often be a part of growing up, but if it's so, then maybe we might just need to be kids again and embrace our cultural identities, because at the end of the day, we'll always be under our sky And what is a sky, but a sea of stars to look up to, glimmering bright?
S p o k e n W o r d : ‘ T o g e t h e r , W e Lo o k U p ’ by
In my piece, I incorporated the sky as a symbol of connection, no matter where we come from, we all live beneath the same expanse In a world where we are often divided by borders and differences, the sky is like a quiet invitation for unity, urging us to “look upward” and remember our shared humanity. Through this motif, I hope to inspire a sense of togetherness and belonging that transcends separation: under the same sky, we are never truly apart.
India’s fire. India’s water. India’s earth. India’s air. And the force that binds them all together love India is a land of diversity and unity It is where the sun rises over the marble Taj Mahal and the same sun brings color and life to Indian weddings. Our performance is a journey through the powerful, passionate, and uniting soul of India . Each dance tells a story, carrying its own flavor, yet blending into a mosaic of music and expression that honors India’s traditions and timeless energy. Jai Hind.
Culturama is a celebration of cultures from around the world, each told through the power of dance Tonight, our journey takes you to Spain, a country where tradition and creativity move hand in hand. We begin in Andalucía with the traditional Spanish Flamenco Its stamping rhythms and expressive gestures tell unforgettable stories that have lived for centuries From there, the we will shift into the elegant ballroom dance, Paso Doble, where sharp precision and grateful movements reflect the strength and beauty of Spanish ballroom tradition. And as the night goes on we step into the heartbeat of spanish night life, the vibrant Hip-hop that defines nightlife and youth culture in spain. Its energy, rhythm, and freedom capture the pulse of modern Spain after dark Each section takes you deeper into Spanish identity, weaving together a culture that carries its history with pride, lives through its traditions, and thrives with the energy and spirit of the present. Thank you, enjoy the show
: ¡Bienvenidos a Sudamérica! Walik jutapxtaxa! (walik jutapj taja)
Alli shamushka!
South America a unique end of the world whose culture, nature, and history carry a profound meaning and pride, striving for justice, remembrance, and seeking reconnection to its ancestry, which we aim to leave a legacy for.
Bolivia the land of high peaks and lush rainforests, rich history, and vibrant cultures
This year, we proudly celebrate 200 years of our independence, a journey that started with the courageous uprisings of indigenous heroes like Túpac Katari and Bartolina Sisa Bolivia is home to more than 36 indigenous nations Despite the challenges faced over centuries, the spirit of freedom, resilience, and unity continues to define us. Jallalla Bolivia
Ecuador the middle of the world Lying at 0°0’0” latitude, Ecuador is the most biodiverse country per square kilometer. It is laden with lively music, joyful traditions, and delicious meals It is home to the most ancient pre-Inca culture in South America (Valdivia), the nearest point on Earth to the Sun in Chimborazo Volcano, and the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands. Ñukanchik mamallakta, ñukanchik kawsay
Ecuador and Bolivia celebrate life despite their political and economic struggles, and their shared, long-lived history still echoes in people’s memories and cosmovision.
Let’s immerse ourselves in this journey, beginning in the Amazon rainforest with the Bolivian Takirari dance, as a way to honour our pre-colonial ancestors.
Moving on to the Ecuadorian coast through the Afro-descendent Marimba music, which holds a symbol of resilience upon slavery and cruelty
Finally, to the Andean region showcasing the European influence through the Ecuadorian Pasacalle, and the syncretism we currently hold through the Bolivian Saya.
Con ustedes ¡Bolivia y Ecuador!
Lead
Creator:
Aden Paternò Castello Di Bicocca
Performers:
Italy has always had a rich and influential musical background, often inspiring the cultures and countries around it. This performance will blend traditional and modern Italian music with dance styles from different time periods to reflect the theme ‘Under the Same Sky.’ Traditional Italian music forms the foundation of much of Western musical heritage, while modern Italian music showcases the nation’s ability to evolve, adapt, and captivate audiences across generations Together, they celebrate Italy’s dynamic and diverse musical identity.
The performance will also portray the changing spirit of youth through the decades, featuring different generations of Italian teenagers dancing to disco This sequence captures the timeless energy and optimism of young people, revealing how, despite the passing years, music and dance remain a shared language of joy, connection, and self-expression — always uniting us under the same sky.
Aliya Mazumdar Sen, Freja Lu, Kashvi Vyas, Khushi Kashyap, Lakshana S Anand, Lan Chi Nguyen, Mythili Ganesh, Saanjali Mathur, Saanvi Kedia, Samaira Gupta, Via Magni
Lead Creator:
Lauren Hickson
Dancers:
Amelia SHEN, Ava JOCHMANN, Bea WALLACE-DUNN, Camilla Merican Kamal Merican, Ella ROMAIN, Jessie MENG, Kate GAO, Kerri BYRDEN, Luzia LU , Marisa Aria DARUL KISAI, Olivia Perez de Albeniz
Set to Queen's iconic anthem I Want to Break Free, this work explores how artists like David Bowie and Freddie Mercury shattered cultural expectations of gender expression in the UK. Against the backdrop of the post-war ethos of "Keep Calm and Carry On," society often encouraged people to suppress individuality and conform Bowie and Mercury defied these conventions, using music, performance, and style to challenge stereotypes and celebrate freedom of identity. This piece reflects the tension between restraint and self-expression, highlighting the cultural significance of breaking boundaries and paving the way for greater acceptance and diversity in the arts and beyond.
This piece takes place on the London Underground, an iconic setting where countless lives intersect daily, often without acknowledgment of the people around us. The Tube becomes a metaphor for the hidden layers of identity we carry in public. As the dance unfolds, moments of containment give way to liberation, echoing the power of selfexpression and the cultural significance of breaking free from societal expectations It is both a tribute to two trailblazers and a reminder that beneath the surface of everyday encounters, extraordinary stories of courage, individuality, and freedom may be waiting to emerge.
Welcome to our performance tonight, where two cultures meet on this stage. Each carrying its own story, yet bound by so much in common. Step with us into the bustling streets, where the aroma of morning coffee drifts through the air and the call to prayer rises with the sun. The city hums with life: the cries of street vendors, the rhythm of footsteps, and the melodies floating from open windows. Children weave through narrow alleys in laughter, elders trade stories on doorsteps, and everywhere you look there is color, warmth, and movement Here, joy is not only seen, it is felt, pulsing through every beat, every smile, every step of the dance
From the silence of Petra’s stone to the echo of the Nile, from the desert’s rhythm to the heartbeat of Cairo’s streets, different histories, different voices, yet the same spirit of resilience, warmth, and celebration
Each dance holds memory, each movement carries history But tonight, they do not stand apart They weave together old with new and tradition with reinvention until they become one story, told in rhythm, told in joy. So let the music guide you, and let Jordan and Egypt dance as one.
EL SALVADOR & HONDURAS
Lead Creators:
Maria Jose Palma Cerna
Sebatian Andres Lopez Amaya
DANCERS:
AARSHIYA AGARWAL, ADVITA KALIA, ANGEL FRANCISCO CHIRINOS SANCHEZ, ASHWIN SANTOSH, BENGE JOSÉ JAVIER
PIXTÚN SAMAYOA, CHLOE DENG, ELLA ROMAIN, EMMA LEUNG, EMMA WANG, IRA TOMAR, ISABELLA LIU, JESSICA THALITA, KERRI BYRDEN, MANUEL PINEDA, MARISA ARIA, MOLLY KATE BOLGER, RUBDARY ROJAS, RUDELLE DHAWAN, SIREIMY ORIELA CONTRERAS MILANO, SPARSH DOKANIA, SUBIN LEE, TASHEEN BISWAS, TORAZO TOKUDA, YUKI NISHIOKA
Once, our nations stood divided. Migration, war, and politics built walls between El Salvador and Honduras The world remembers the ‘Football War’a a hundred hours of conflict that left scars lasting decades But today, those scars do not define us They remind us that even in pain, there is the seed of healing From the heart of Honduras rises the rhythm of punta, the voice of the Garifuna people. It is a rhythm born of struggle and survival, but also of joy and resilience. Each beat carries our history, our laughter, and our unbreakable spirit. Through this music, we remember who we are, and we invite the world to celebrate with us And from El Salvador comes the cumbia, the music of our gatherings, our fiestas, our love stories La Enfermera reminds us that dance is more than steps; it is connection, tenderness, and hope. With every movement, we honor the past and embrace the future with open arms. Today, on this stage, under the same sky, we dance together. Not as rivals, but as neighbors. Not as two divided histories, but as one shared story of Central America Through music, through dance, through celebration We transform conflict into unity, Memory into pride, And tradition into a gift we share with the world
The CultuRama China performance presents the legendary story of Hua Mulan. A young woman who chooses courage over fear and duty over silence. Through dance, we trace her journey from the expectations of tradition to the battlefield, where she proves that strength and compassion can exist together.
The sword, our central symbol, transforms from a weight of pressure into a mark of resilience and power In honoring Mulan, we celebrate both the depth of Chinese heritage and a universal message: the courage to define one’s own path.
Now, please enjoy the 2025 CultuRama China.
AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND & MARSHALL ISLANDS
Lead Creators:
Dejah Stojanovic-Stark, Layla Tibon
Dancers:
Aisha Ardi, Alexa Jones, Alexandra angus, Ananya Sinha, Annemieke Brownlee, Ariana Marshall, Denise Tey, Derya Okten, Emerald McCartney, Emmy Zhao, Haileeana Lokiar, Josh Sparrow, Jun Yi Lim, Kiara Vye, Lara Hill, Léonore Gomez, Luke Bacchoo, Nikudumo Dlamini, Nina Goodman, Samara Pesch, Sodam Cha
Tēnā koutou kātoa! Iakwe aolep!
Take a step into the Pacific in this fusion of Māori and Marshallese performing arts.
Representing Aotearoa New Zealand and The Marshall Islands, we will dive into how our separate cultures sailed the Pacific under the same sky In the pacific, there’s a common saying that the islands use to exemplify our connectedness; “Separated by land, but connected through water.”
The songs and dances that we’ve chosen, tell the story of how each culture sailed the Pacific, and how we are connected through that tradition and heritage Our piece features 5 dances, The first is a Marshallese dance about setting sail on a canoe and going through obstacles, the second is a Māori dance about searching for the thing that brings you light and love, the 3rd is a modern Marshallese dance called biit, involving sticks resembling how they echo culture, and the 4th is a Māori action song that talks about bringing a canoe onto shore, to its final resting place. The final dance of our item, a traditional Māori Haka, emphasises the story of finding your forever home after navigating the pacific, and welcoming a new age of culture and understanding
Welcome to Africa, the land of rhythm, resilience, and celebration. From the proud nation of Zambia in Southern Africa to the vibrant heart of Central Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, we bring you stories told not with words, but through movement, song, and the drum Zambia, the land of the thundering Victoria Falls, is a country of beauty, strength, and unity Blessed with copper and minerals, yet even richer in its spirit, Zambia gained independence in 1964. Since then, dance and music have carried forward the heartbeat of its people At the centre of it all is the Ngoma drum Ngoma is more than sound; it is life, it is unity, it is celebration It calls communities together to rejoice, to share stories, and to honour traditions that have been passed down for generations
The Democratic Republic of Congo is a land of breathtaking landscapes and powerful rhythms From the banks of the mighty Congo River to the colourful streets of Kinshasa, it pulses with energy and creativity. Though rich in natural resources, the DRC’s story is also one of resilience to people who have endured history’s challenges while never losing their spirit. Dance in the Congo is storytelling, it is a spiritual connection, it is identity From the traditions of the Luba, Mongo, and Kongo peoples, Congolese dance is known for its dynamic footwork, graceful gestures, and deep connection to the drum, the heartbeat of the nation.
And so tonight, Zambia and Congo stand together, side by side Two nations, two traditions, one Africa. Through rhythm and movement, we share with you our pride, our heritage, and the unshakable spirit of our people Ladies and gentlemen… This is Africa!
Yuki Zarashi is a traditional bleaching method from Niigata, where textiles are laid on snowy fields and naturally whitened by sunlight and the ozone from melting snow. Taking nearly two years to complete, it reflects a rare harmony between human craft and the natural world
Yet today, this culture is on the verge of extinction, with only one artisan in Uonuma still able to carry out the full process. This performance tells the story of Yuki Zarashi through four dances. The first, set to a live piano performance of Ashitaka and San, captures the delicate balance between culture and nature that defines the practice The second dance, a hiphop piece reflects the disruptive force of modernization and materialism In the third dance, dancers perform solos before uniting, symbolizing the resilience of artisans who continue despite economic and social pressures. The final section, Zankyosanka, brings everyone together, showing how the voices of the past can still resonate today and suggesting that tradition and modernity can move forward together
Through this piece, we hope to share not only the beauty of Yuki Zarashi, but also its message. That culture can coexist with nature, and that such harmony is worth protecting.
