The Asian Pacific American Awareness Coalition showcased the diversity of Asian cultures and traditions at their annual Cultural Night. It took place in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union on April 14.

The night’s first half featured dancing and singing performances by Asian American student artists.

“We are displaying the large variety that students have on campus,” said Lan Pham, president of the Asian Pacific American Awareness Coalition. “APAAC is advocating the awareness of Asian Americans on campus.”

The show kicked of with Kimberly Woo, junior in journalism and mass communication, performing two of her original songs. Woo, who is Malaysian, has been singing since she was a small child and has participated in several multicultural events at Iowa State.

A fashion show followed Woo’s performance presenting traditional Asian clothing from Vietnam, China, Indonesia and Malaysia.

The event also included two dance performances. The first being a break dance performance by Dean Hoangvan, former Iowa State Student, and Antwone Moua-Phonvilai, student at Ames High School.

“We are of Asian heritage therefore we want to support the ACAAP and particpated with our performances,” said Hoangvan. He has performed for the APAAC Cultural Night before and has always enjoyed it. He said he has been break dancing for 14 years.

The second dance performance of the night was done by members of the Chinese Student and Scholars Association who performed a traditional fan dance of China.

Joseph Francis Mercado, senior in management information systems, wrapped the first half of the event up with a singing performance of “I want it that way” by the Backstreet Boys.

Slam poetry artist Beau Sia, a member of the Tony Award-Winning Def Poetry Jam on Broadway, performed his work on the topic “We’re so american.”

“I am going to share with you who I am, not to be loved, not to be embraced, but to allow you another morsel of inspiration that whatever it is you are driven [to], whatever passion moves you in your life, [do] it before you die,” Sia said.

Pham said she was happy with the outcome and “eveything went smoothly.”

The Cutlural Night is one of three events of the Asian American Heritage Awareness Week.

On April 15, there will be a workshop seminar in the Multicultural Room in the Memorial Union from 7 to 9 p.m. providing opportunities to network and access resources to promote advocations of issues experienced by multicultural students.

On April 16, the APAAC will hold the Taste of Asia food fair in Linden Hall. At the food fair cuisines from different Asian countries will be provided as free appetizers, entrees and deserts form 6 to 9 pm.