The highly anticipated Culture Night 2025 is bringing together students from all over the world to share and celebrate their unique cultural heritage. This year’s event will take place over two nights: Wednesday, March 5, from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and Friday, March 7, from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Among the many performances, one group is making its debut—the Myanmar Club—while returning favorites like the Cambodia and Samoa, clubs promise to impress with new and exciting performances, each under 15 minutes.
A Dream Come True: Myanmar Club’s Debut
The Myanmar Club is making history as the newest addition to Culture Night, marking the first time Myanmar’s rich traditions will be showcased on the BYU–Hawaii stage. Leading the club is Thal Su Myo, a sophomore from Myanmar majoring in business management with an emphasis in marketing.
“It was my biggest dream to see my country on stage for Culture Night,” says Myo. “It’s a big responsibility for me because, although we don’t have as many people in our club as others on campus, we want to show how beautiful our culture is and represent it well. We also want to educate students about our heritage, especially those who may not know much about us.”
Their performance consists of four distinct dances. The first is from Bagan, a rhythmic, traditional Myanmar dance with no singing. Next, a performance dedicated to various ethnic tribes within Myanmar, with a special focus on the Rakhine tribe of Burma. The third is a vibrant Thingyan festival dance, celebrating Myanmar’s New Year and its connection to water. Finally, the club will present a village song dance, blending contemporary pop music with the traditional essence of village life in Myanmar.
As the Myanmar Club takes the stage for the first time, they hope to make an unforgettable impression and establish a lasting presence in future Culture Nights.
Cambodia Club: A Blend of Grace and Energy
Returning to Culture Night, the Cambodia Club is set to mesmerize audiences with a mix of elegant and powerful performances. Club president Chaoboran Oroum, a junior from Cambodia majoring in business management with an emphasis in human resources,, shares the club’s vision for its performance, saying, “We don’t want the audience to feel bored. What’s unique about these dances is that they show the world that even though Cambodia is a small country, our people’s hearts are big. We want to highlight the diversity within our culture through multiple dances from different regions.”
The first section of their performance will feature the Apsara dance, a classical Cambodian dance that symbolizes grace and beauty, alongside the Neary Chea Chour, a synchronized women’s line dance. This segment will also include Bokator, Cambodia’s ancient martial art, and the lively coconut dance. The second section will showcase the Hanuman dance, inspired by Cambodian legend, followed by the energetic Chhay Yam dance. Finally, the performance will conclude with a modern routine set to the song Sangkran Magic, giving the audience a taste of contemporary Cambodian culture.
Samoa Club: A Story of Heritage and Leadership
The Samoa Club returns with an array of traditional dances that capture the essence of Samoan history and identity. Club president Sila LealiiE’e, a senior from New Zealand majoring in Pacific Island studies, reflects on the significance of leading the club, saying, “It means a lot to me to represent my culture. I never thought I’d lead this club,” she shares. “I grew up with Samoan culture, but since I was raised in New Zealand, I never learned the language. It was here at BYU–Hawaii that I truly connected with my Samoan identity. I took a leap of faith and stepped up, and it has been a valuable learning experience for me, especially as a Samoan woman taking on a leadership role, which is traditionally led by men.”
Their performance will include the well-loved Sāsā, where boys and girls sit together to tell stories of daily life in Samoa through movement, followed by the Fa’ataupati, a slap dance performed by the men. The Māulu'ulu, a mixed-gender dance, will be themed around tatau (tattoos), illustrating the Samoan tradition of receiving tattoos from Fijian origins. The performance will conclude with the Taualuga, a solo dance performed by a taupou (female) and manaia (male), with the entire club surrounding them with support.
An Unforgettable Night Awaits
With the debut of the Myanmar Club, the return of beloved cultural performances, and an atmosphere of unity and celebration, Culture Night 2025 promises to be a spectacular event. Whether through rhythmic movements, storytelling, or vibrant musical performances, each club will bring its heritage to life, fulfilling BYU–Hawaii’s mission to celebrate cultural diversity and create a global community of disciples of Jesus Christ.
Mark your calendars for March 5 and March 7—Culture Night 2025 is an experience you won’t want to miss.
To learn more information or see the full schedule of club performances, visit the BYUH Culture Night page.