China Night and CAOSU

Even though China has gained plenty of international attention in recent years, it was the late 20th century when China first experienced Western pop music and faster economic growth.

China Night begins with a short film introducing Chinese culture.
Photos by Zhen Hua

On Saturday night, the Chinese Association of Oregon State University (CAOSU) hosted China Night at the LaSells Steward Center, both to celebrate the year of horse and to present Chinese culture to the community.

“This is an annual event and biggest event of our association. It’s funded by ISOSU, the International Students of Oregon State University,” said Cheng Li.

Li, the co-president of CAOSU, has been leading the association for two years. He is also a PhD student in biological engineering at OSU.

Different from previous leaders, Li wants to help CAOSU to be more culturally representative and active. China Night, as part of his plan, has been improved from old styles and performances.

Each year, CAOSU tries to plan China Night with a different perspective. This year, the 2014 China Night had a unique theme of time traveling. Audiences were brought back to the 20^th century by many special performances from that era.

“Many people are unfamiliar with Chinese culture in the 20^th century,” said Li. “However, the developments that occurred in that time phase is what made us who we are today. It’s a generation of working hard, it’s a generation of opening minds, and it’s a generation of Michael Jackson and Britney Spears.”

The 20^th century was a revolutionary time for Chinese policy and economics. Li was born in the late '80s and grew up in the '90s. He expressed his love and thankfulness to people who have contributed to build the China we see today.

Dedicated to the pop music culture, which has influenced that generation, members from CAOSU choreographed a dance routine with “Love Story” by Britney Spears. The association also invited the OSU Hip-Hop Club for a Michael Jackson-influenced dance.

“Although our focus this year is on the 20^th century, I still want to show people our traditions,” said Li.

Jueyi Zhang (left) and Yichuan Tian play "Jasmine" on
traditional instruments.  Photos by Zhen Hua

Yichuan Tian, a CAOSU member, played a traditional instrument, a Gu’zheng. Tian also coordinated a classical music piece called "Jasmine" with Jueyi Zhang, who played a different traditional instrument called an Er-Hu.

“We are happy that more people came this year. We only had about 800 in the audience last year, but this year, there were at least 1100.” Li and his CAOSU crew are excited about the improvement. “All our hard work and time investments paid off.”

“CAOSU represents not only Chinese students on campus, but also Chinese culture and China,” said Li. “Although China Night is a New Year celebration for Chinese students, the goal is also to bring other cultures together to interact.”

Based on this idea, the association reached out to the OSU Glee Choir, and the choir performed a Chinese folk song named "Let Us Paddle."

In addition to China Night, the association raises money every fall term to help poor Chinese children continue attending school.

In May 2013, the earthquake southwest of Sichuan Province in China left hundreds of people injured and homeless. Without hesitation, CAOSU set up a fund-raising booth on campus and raised $1466.39 for victims and families.

At a glance:

Chinese Association of OSU
What: CAOSU is an on-campus social group involving students from China.

Meeting: Wednesday at 7:30pm, at different locations
For more information: http://groups.oregonstate.edu/caosu/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chinese-Association-of-Oregon-State-Univerisity/437186776337960