After a nine-month preparation period, Unity 101 proudly presented the musical extravaganza “Om-Shanti-Om” on November 18th at the MAST Studio. The ground-breaking event marks Southampton’s first local production, bringing together 21 talented singers and 38 dancers from a diverse range of local ethnic groups and communities, including participants from Solent University and the University of Southampton.
The show was a wonderful showcase of cultural richness, with captivating performances by Bollywood, Chinese and vibrant Solent dancers. The show consisted of over 60 members who rehearsed tirelessly to make the event a huge success. The MAST Studio was packed and the atmosphere was electric. The fusion of various music genres and dance styles creates a spectacle that leaves the audience in awe. The synergy between performers from diverse backgrounds resonates, emphasizing the theme of unity in diversity.
In addition to the vibrant diversity of our cast, “Om-Shanti-Om” beautifully showcases the remarkable dedication and hard work of the Chinese dance team meticulously organized by the Chinese Association of Southampton. Notably, our talented Chinese singer, Ms. Kangli Fu, a longstanding member of our association, once again graced the stage, showcasing her vocal prowess, as witnessed in our previous CNY events. Joining forces with her was our dynamic Chinese dance group, led by Ms. Vikkie Cheng, our Vice Chair of the association and a multifaceted performer who not only led and co-ordinated the dance team but also was one of the dancers who took center stage in this production.
Adding an extra layer of expertise, we were honored to have Ms. Yi Shi, a professional dance teacher, contributed her choreography skills and also as a dancer in this special production. Despite residing outside of Southampton, Ms. Shi went the extra mile, traveling long distances to teach, practice, and perform with the team. Of course, we cannot overlook the other energetic and skilled dancers, especially those from the University of Southampton’s dance group. They are Ting Zhao, Xinyue Wang, Nicole Zhang, Hengyi Jia, Cici Chen, Zoe Shu, Isa Ding and Shanni Zhang.
Their efforts and wonderful performances resonated with the audience and left a deep impression on all audiences. The fusion of cultures and the professionalism of each performer, including the Chinese Dance Troupe, make “Om-Shanti-Om” a truly unforgettable celebration of musical diversity.
[中文版]
