The University of Redlands’ Asian Student Association (ASA) organization held their fourth annual ASA Night Market on the evening of Feb. 22. A total of 11 countries were represented during the program, which included a street market near the North Quad and cultural performances inside Memorial Chapel.
One of the evening performances was a Hula Kahiko by the Pacific Island Dance (DNCE 260) class. This course is taught by Elaine Talamaivao, an adjunct faculty member and the Polynesian Voyagers of Redlands advisor. DNCE 260 is new to Redlands this year, and Talamaivao also said it is the first course of its kind in the continental United States.
For their ASA Night Market performance, DNCE 260 students presented a Hula Kahiko about King David Kalakaua, who is known for his revival of the hula during the missionary colonization of Hawaii. Talamaivao said she decided to give her students this opportunity to take pride in Pacific Islander culture, identity and heritage.
“We continue to represent small populations, but we’re here and we’re loud and proud,” she said.
Talamaivao’s class will host another event on April 10 entitled “Our Collective Ancestral Voices.” From 5-7 p.m. at Memorial Chapel, it will feature traditional Pacific Islander food, music and dances.
“This is an opportunity to intentionally showcase that we have these pockets of communities here, and we’re not going anywhere,” Talamaivao said, “This is our home as well.”
July 2025 Correction: An earlier version of this article referred to ASA as “Asian Student Alliance” and has since been corrected
McKenzie Rose, a sophomore double-majoring in Environmental Studies and Journalism, serves as the Redlands Bulldog Editor-in-Chief this semester. McKenzie first dabbled in the world of journalism during high school by working as a freelance reporter with the municipal Hermiston Herald and regional East Oregonian newspapers near her hometown of Echo, Oregon. She enjoys running (participating in the university’s track & field and cross country teams), spending time with her pets, traveling and listening to good ‘ol country music!
