International Gala and Bazaar Cap a Weeklong Celebration of Our Global Connections

As participants took to the stage dancing, singing, and more, students and faculty gained a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultures represented in the Foxcroft community — with applause and cheers echoing out of FoxHound Auditorium past the Bazaar tables that filled the first floor of Schoolhouse.

The Gala opened with an International Fashion Show, showcasing attire that reflected the diverse countries and cultures from around the globe, including:

• Paraguay — the style of Raven L. ’26’s colorful dress could be designed specifically to represent a person’s tribe or district
• China — Alice Z. ’26 wore a mamian skirt, a traditional Chinese garment that rose in popularity during the Song and Ming dynasties and represents traditional values, beauty, and respect for heritage; Fiona J. ’27 wore an embroidered pink vest. Pink became a prominent color in the Tang and Song dynasties and represented auspiciousness, happiness, and completeness.
• Thailand — Alice P. ’27 donned a Thai Chakri dress in white (representing purity and goodness) and pink/purple (representing gentleness and care).
• Guatemala — Jensy C. ’28 wore a huipil, a traditional garment handmade on a backstrap loom and sewn with designs and patterns that can symbolize the individual’s background, hometown, and more.
• Mexico — Andrea M. ’27 and Maite, daughter of Director of International Student Services and Recruitment Kate Tomaskovic, wore beautiful bright dresses from Mexico that symbolize identity and cultural heritage.

Following the fashion show, our talented performers took the stage. Performances featured an array of languages and styles that highlighted countries and cultures represented in our community. Songs included “La Llorona,” a traditional Mexican song based on a popular folktale, played on the flute by Olivia M. ’27; “ChiLing,” a song that uses beautiful lyrics to pay tribute to the unsung heroes of the Chinese opera, sung by Alice Z. ’26; a Chinese rendition of Frozen’s “Let it Go” by Julia L. ’26, Christina Z. ’26, and Clair W. ’28; “Nuestra Canción” (“Our Song”) sung by Raven L. ’26; and a Turkish pop song performed by Mina O. ’27 and Penelope M. ’25.

Dance performances included Rhythm Nation and Anneliese C. ’26 performing a combination K-pop and Irish dance mix to the K-pop song "Debut" by KATSEYE; Andrea M. ’27 and Ellie W. ’27 dancing to “La Chona” by Los Tucanes de Tijuana, a Mexican song that symbolizes the happiness, celebration, and the power of women; Aisha T. ’28 and J.J. T. ’28 choreographing 90s hip hop mixed with modern dance moves to “Poison” by Bell Biv Devoe, and a solo performance by Aisha combining the style of Afrobeats, dancehall, and hip hop to “Jump” by Tyla.

In addition, the world languages were represented through poetry recitations. A group of Latin students recited two poems in Latin, and Riko K. ’25 read a poem by the Japanese author Miusuzu Kaneko (with English translations as well).

The Gala closed with Ram Thai, a traditional Thai dance known for its elegance, grace, and storytelling through movement, dating back over 700 years. Elle P. ’25 and Aon K. ’27 had the audience transfixed with their elegant choreography and intricate movements. Well done to all those who performed!

Immediately after the Gala, stations throughout Schoolhouse provided opportunities for deeper learning or to try something new! The always popular Spicy Food Challenge put even the most diehard spice fanatics to the test with flavors from across the globe while an international snacks and sodas table offered milder sweets at the other end of the hall, including a special biscuit from New Zealand provided by Grace F. ’28 and pan dan, a Thai dessert made by Alice P. ’27. Students could visit the Art Room for a henna tattoo or to try their hand at Chinese paper cutting based on the zodiac. Spanish Club hosted “Carnival Around the World” with mask-making and festive music. To test their knowledge of languages and cultures across the globe, students could participate in a geography bee or flag-matching game, take a tour of Sweden and Switzerland with Sonja K. ’26 and Anouk V. ’27, and learn the difference between Spanish spoken in Spain and Mexico from Cata A. ’27 and Andrea M. ’27.

Many thanks to all who contributed to this weeklong celebration of the diverse cultures in our community. Special shoutouts go to the Global Cultures Club and International Ambassadors; to the performers and behind-the-scenes crew that presented the community with a fantastic Gala; to all the students who helped run Bazaar stations; to the family members and Parents’ Association who donated their time; to the faculty members who were integral to the planning of the week’s events; to the Dining Hall staff who prepared fantastic and flavorful menus, and to everyone who tried something different this week — be it a new food, dance, or a language — and embraced the unique opportunities to learn more about the international connections woven into the tapestry of the Foxcroft community.