CulturalFest Countdown: Meet Zaya Delgerjargal

This year's CulturalFest Performance Showcase will feature 10 performing artists from around the world on the Meany Hall stage. Read on to learn more about one of this year’s performers, Zaya Delgerjargal, and watch her on the big stage on February 25!

How did your group begin? Tell us a little bit of your story.

I began dancing at the age of 11 in Mongolian Children’s Palace. My teacher was a professional Mongolian folk dancer, which is a primary reason why I became more interested in traditional Mongolian dance rather than other forms of dancing. Expressing the important aspects of my own culture through dance movements seemed pretty amazing to me. Folk dancing was the thing that I was most physically engaged with throughout my middle and high school. And soon, dance became something at which I excelled.

What do you hope the audience will take away from your performance? What do you hope they will learn about the culture(s) that your performance represents?

The theme of my performance is beauty of a Mongolian lady. So this performance, previously named “Green Tara”, was choreographed in a way that it reflected ideal characteristics of Mongolian women. I hope the audience notice the distinct characteristics Mongolian culture through the music and dance movements, and come away a bit more conscious that there is Mongolian culture that is not being heard but is worth recognizing.

Join us for our celebration of the diversity and talent that international students bring to our community!

CulturalFest Ticket Information:

General admission tickets are on sale now for $15 online or at the door. Discounted student tickets are available for $10 in advance at the FIUTS office (HUB 206).