Cardozo is known for its diversity, and what better way to celebrate that than by putting on a show where students can proudly represent their cultures? Each year, Cardozo hosts a Multicultural Show that centers around students performing tributes to their heritage. It’s a vibrant, community-driven event where clubs, students, and even teachers come together to create a spectacular evening of culture and celebration.
This year’s show took place on April 3rd, with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. Despite it being a Thursday night, the auditorium was packed with cheers, applause, and excitement from the audience.
Featuring 18 acts, the show was a full lineup of performances that made the atmosphere even more electrifying. Originally, it was uncertain whether the event could be held in the auditorium, as it was still undergoing renovations. But thanks to the dedication of the stage crew and plenty of determination, the show was successfully held in the auditorium.
The festival featured a mix of soloists, duets, dances, and even live bands. Kicking things off was Christian Maultby, performing a solo to Stitches by Shawn Mendes, followed by an instrumental solo from Paschalis Petrinas.
Next up was a Filipino duet featuring Kaylyn Huertas and Daniele Naz, followed by a South Asian-Desi group performance by Teresa Cyriac, Mody Ishani, and Grace Mann. That flowed right into a high-energy Bollywood dance by Vicki He, Zarin Jahbun, Sargun Kaur, Gurshan Muttar, and Nabilah Yaana. And of course, there were easily over 100 students involved in total.
Taking the stage next was Latin Sensation, performing multiple Latin dances, from salsa to samba. They were followed by SOCA Fusion, which kept the energy alive, and then Dozo’s very own step team brought the house down. Wrapping up the first half was Cardozo’s marching band, delivering a unique performance right in the audience, giving everyone a close-up experience.
As with any major production, there was an intermission—giving performers a moment to breathe and the audience a chance to grab a snack or try some of the cultural foods that were being sold. It also gave the stage crew time to reset and handle any tech. needs. Maria Polidoru, who helped with music backstage, shared her thoughts, saying, “I think the show is gonna turn out great! I mean, I’ve seen how hard the acts have worked—and they’re really good.”
Opening after the break, the Sitare Desi girls had the crowd on their feet with a Sweet 16-inspired dance. Right after came an emotional solo by Justin Lim, who performed a Filipino rock song (Mabagal). Keeping with the rock theme, the stage welcomed Cardozo’s very own original band, BlueWind—featuring Haley Fraser, Esther Kim, Paschalis Petrinas, and Owen Cassano. With a mix of vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, and bass, the group performed River with undeniable talent and synergy.
When asked what the show meant to her, especially as a senior, lead vocalist Haley Fraser shared, “The show’s important—especially to Cardozo—because it shows how much of a fruit salad we are. We’re highlighting so many different cultures in such a unique way, and not many schools get the chance to do that. Even though I’m in the rock band, it doesn’t restrict me from expressing that pride.”
That same sense of pride and cultural appreciation echoed throughout the night. Ms. Clark, the main organizer of the show, faced plenty of challenges—especially with the postponement—but she pushed through for the students.
“There’s a lot that takes place outside the classroom. This gives students a chance to show their individual artistic talents—the things you don’t always see in core subjects. They choreographed routines, played instruments, led groups… It builds leadership. One girl even choreographed for 40 students. That was all student-led,” Ms. Clark said.
Anyone in the audience could see just how much work went into every detail of the show—from the planning to rehearsals to execution. Whether it was a solo act or a massive ensemble, every performer poured their heart into making the night unforgettable.
Performances 13 and 14 showcased a stunning Chinese fan song solo and a graceful dance duet. Melody Zhang performed the solo, while Rachel Lin and Qinxin Ouyang danced with elegance and poise. The beauty and tradition embedded in their performances brought a calming, almost magical energy to the room.
Then, in contrast, the energy shot up again when KDC hit the stage, dancing to Run by BTS. The 14-member group lit up the auditorium with their powerful choreography and coordinated stunts, earning huge applause and cheers.
As the night progressed, the performances only got bigger. SASA’s Indian fusion dance filled the entire stage with around 40 students, each given their moment to shine through an impressive and well-rehearsed choreography.
To close out the evening, DUCC delivered a performance that left a lasting impression. Each dancer wore a shirt representing their country of heritage, proudly celebrating their roots. Their energetic performance wrapped the show on a high note, leaving the audience cheering nonstop.
But at the end of the day, it wasn’t about who got the loudest cheer or who danced the longest. Every performer gave it their all, and the effort showed. The Multicultural Show meant something to everyone involved—from the performers and organizers to the cheering audience.
This tradition is more than just a show—it’s a celebration of identity, community, and pride. So if you didn’t catch it this year, make sure to come next time. And if you’ve never been, you’re definitely missing out.
Feel free to watch the show’s performances here!
