Great show, few parents

On Saturday, April 19, Tara Dang and Jessica Thu Le represented the Cultural Quest Foundation (CQF) at the 47th Annual Cultural Show hosted by the Vietnamese Student Association at San Jose State University. As the gold sponsor of the event, CQF was recognized with its logo prominently displayed at the beginning of the show.

Held at Del Mar High School's auditorium, the event drew over 200 attendees. The evening began with an energetic and professional lion dance performance, setting an exciting tone for the rest of the program.

Titled "Call Me When You're Home," the show’s theme centered on a child navigating the emotional challenges of his parents' divorce, told through a moving, authentic storyline. The narrative was divided into segments that were interspersed with modern dances and a traditional fan dance, creating a dynamic and engaging experience.

Elaborate costumes and high-tech, colorful lighting enhanced the performance's visual appeal. The audience was highly engaged throughout the show, responding warmly to the performers' efforts.

However, there were notably few parents in attendance. This suggests that outreach to parents may have been insufficient, thereby missing an

opportunity to involve and educate an older generation about the themes and cultural messages conveyed in the show. Organizers are encouraged to consider larger venues and broaden their promotional efforts in future events.

Reflecting on past cultural shows from 30 years ago, where the primary audience was parents, it's clear that today's students have the opportunity to engage both peers and the parent community. The 47th Cultural Show was a vibrant celebration of Vietnamese-American culture and a testament to the creativity and dedication of young people. CQF is proud to have supported such an inspiring event and deeply appreciates the hard work of all the students involved.