As D60 Wildcat Families, we have a unique opportunity to set an example for others by coming together as one, and celebrating our diverse cultural backgrounds.
Our D60 Cultural Festival provides an opportunity for people from different ethnicities to come together and celebrate their diversity. During times of war and conflict in the world, it becomes even more critical to foster an environment of cultural respect and understanding. By embracing each other's traditions and customs, we can build bridges of empathy and tolerance.
The Cultural Festival is funded in part by Federal Title III funds and is co-sponsored by the PTA.
Cultural Festival Activities
Student Cultural Squares - Library/Hallway
Performances + Fashion Show - Cafetorium
Tasting Room - Gym
Photo Booths - Wildcat Den
Museum Walk - IMC / Library
Crafts, Games, Art
African Mask Craft - Room 101 (STEM room)
Macedonian Bracelet Craft - Room 104 (ART)
Henna Art (ONLY 5:30-7:30) - Room 102 (FACS)
Name Room Craft - Room 102 (FACS)
Dance Class Experience - Wildcat Den
(5:30-6:00pm ONLY)
All performances are in the Cafetorium.
5:20pm - Bharatnatyam
Performers: Akshaya Nandhakumar
Description:
·Bharatanatyam is an Indian classical dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu. Bharatanatyam word was derived by joining two Sanskrit words: 'Natyam' meaning dance and 'Bharata' which is a mnemonic containing 'Bha' (bhava/emotions), 'Ra' (raga/melody), and 'Ta' (tala/rhythm). Thus the term Bharatanatyam means a dance that expresses Bhava, Raga, and Tala.
· Bharatanatyam style is noted for its fixed upper torso, bent legs, and flexed knees (Aramandi) combined with footwork, and a vocabulary of sign language based on gestures of hands, eyes, and face muscles.
· Bharatanatyam shares the dance poses of many ancient Shiva sculptures in Hindu temples.
· The arms of Shiva express mudras (symbolic hand gestures) that are used in Bharatanatyam.
· All dancers wear leather anklets on each foot, which are called salangai. Overall the rhythmic movements and music can help clear the mind and relax the body, leading to a reduction in stress and anxiety levels.
5:23pm - Dandiya
Performers: Rathai Nandhakumar & Shanvitha Kandula - both 5 yrs old
Description: Dandiya “Stick” Dance from India
Dandiya is the socio-religious folk dance originating from Indian state of Gujarat in India and popularly performed in the festival of Navaratri.
Men and women traditionally play dandiya-raas and the dance operates in pairs, meaning the group must contain an even number. Generally, two lines are formed, with partners facing each other.
Dandiya is played with colourful dandiya sticks.
It’s an enjoyable means to stay fit and maintain good health. Daandiya offers a unique and exhilarating way to connect with Indian culture and celebrate the spirit of togetherness.
5:25pm - Kathak/Bollywood
Performers: Aaliya Razi (4th Grade)
Description: Aalia will be dancing to the tunes of "Rajvadi Odhni", a popular Hindi song from India. She incorporates Kathak and Bollywood style of dancing into her performance.
5:30pm - Philippine American Cultural Foundation Performing Arts
Performers: Aiden Burke, Alaine Caynila, Anikka Romero, Jasmine Weyrick (3rd Grade), Ava Jakubek (5th Grade) Kiara Burke (6th Grade); Pascal Teoli - a College Student,
Hinsdale Central - Lulu Teoli, Phoebe Teoli; Gower West Elementary School - Sarah Teoli, Luke Teoli, Devin; Cabrera Parkview Elementary School - Avery Smurawski and Avia Smurawski
Choreographers: Special thanks to Michelle Delson and Clarita Teoli of the Philippine American Cultural Foundation Performing Arts
Description:
First Dance, The group will perform Paro-parong Bukid, a traditional Filipino folk song that is also known as The Field Butterfly. Some say this song tells the story of a beautiful butterfly flying down the road.
Second Dance is another folk dance Itik-Itik (eee-tik eee-tik) best known by imitating the “movements of a duck” such as wading, flying, and short steps and splashing water on their backs like the ducks do.
Third but not the least, the most popular folk dance, the Tinikling. Which literally means "to perform it tickling-like".This dance represents the attempts of Filipino rice farmers to catch and prevent a type of bird known as Tikling from stealing ripe rice grains from the fields.
5:40pm - South Indian Vocal Song
Performers: Jane Leona (3rd grade)
Description: South Indian melody vocal song
5:45pm - Albanian Vocal Song
Performers: Roan Sinishta (2nd grade)
Description: Roan will be singing an Albanian song called “Lule bore”. This is a song composed in 1946 and since then, this song is being sung in every occasion and is a symbol of Shkoder, the northern city in Albania. “Lule bore” means snow flower in Albanian.
5:50pm - Bhangra Dance
Performers: Hardeet Bhalerao (8th Grade)
Description: Folk dance Bhangra from Punjab.
6:00pm - Nepali Dance
Performers: Prajna Sedai (4th Grade)
Description: She will be dancing to a Nepali song titled "Lhochhar", which is also a festival celebrated by many Nepalese group. The Lhochhar festival marks the beginning of the Gurung New Year and is celebrated by cleaning and decorating their houses with flowers and painting their walls with symbols made of flour.
6:05pm - Nepali Dance
Performers: Prapti Sedai (8th grade)
Description: Prapti will be dancing to a song called, "Lafa man paryo". The type of dance she will be doing is called "Kaura", which originated in western Nepal and is a traditional "Magar" folk dance.
6:10pm - Bollywood - Desi Beats Group
Performers: Desi Beats Group - Amanvita Medi (6th Grade), Adhishna Parthipan (6th Grade), Madhurya Vemperala (6th Grade), Vaishnavi Nilesh Salke (6th Grade), Sreyashi Nanda (6th Grade)
Description: This group of girls will be performing in an Indian Bollywood Medley songs.
6:20pm - Kaavya Performing Arts
Performers: Meera Patel (2nd Grade), Sarina Patel (1st Grade), Anika Doshi (1st from another school)
Description: The girls will be dancing to a medley of Bollywood songs. The dance is a combination of traditional and western moves choreographed by Kaavya Performing Arts.
6:25pm - Traditional Macedonian Folk Song
Performers: Anna Apostolov, Lila Lazarov, Danielle Gavatski, Ema Ilijoska, Tiffany Pavlova, Mila Bulakovski, Lana Atanasov, Bonnie Nikolovska, Sienna Jovanovska, Meghan Miloradovic
Description: 'Makedonsko Devojche' Macedonian girl song: it's originally called 'Makedonsko Devojche' and is written by a famous Macedonian folk singer and songwriter in 1964 and it's one of the most famous songs on the Balkan!
6:30pm - Kalbeliya Dance
Performers: Palak Singh (5th grade), Alisha Nambiar (5th grade), Ayla Khan (5th grade), Zuzzana Swierzowski (5th grade), Mila Patel (5th grade), Shravani Narayane (5th grade), Emma Duda (5th grade), Zamara Alcazar (5th grade) and Milana Smigelskis (4th grade), Choreographed by: Seema Gadre
Description: Indian Folk Dance called "Kalbeliya" from the state of Rajasthan.
The Kalbeliya dance has its roots in the Kalbeliya community, who are snake charmers from the deserts of Rajasthan, India. One of the most striking aspects of Kalbeliya dance is its elaborate costumes. Dancers wear brightly colored skirts adorned with mirrors, beads, and intricate embroidery.
Dancers use their entire bodies often incorporating rapid spins, twists, and turns. The dance requires a high level of flexibility, agility, and control. The music accompanying Kalbeliya dance is typically provided by traditional instruments such as the been (a wind instrument similar to a flute) and the dholak (a double-headed drum). Kalbeliya dance often depicts themes related to nature, mythology, and the daily lives of the Kalbeliya community. Kalbeliya dance is not just a form of entertainment; it is also an integral part of the cultural heritage of Rajasthan. It plays a significant role in festivals, weddings, and other social celebrations.
6:40pm - Bollywood Dance
Performers: Prisha Shah (Grade 3), Nabhya Patel (Grade 3), Suyog Umbare (Grade 3), Prisha Arora (Grade 1), Kanvi varia (Grade 1), Suhani Patel (Grade 1)
Description: They will perform a Bollywood dance
6:50pm - Bollywood Dance
Performers: Naira Shah (Kindergarten)
Description: Bollywood Dance
6:55pm - Indian Movie Dance
Performers: Sahasra Lakshmi Jammula (4th Grade)
Description: Indian Movie Dance
7:00pm - Arabic Dabkeh Dance
Performers: Rayan Ghanem, Maya Lababidi, Meya Walentin, Aydin Khan, Nour Kanama, Naya Alraghib, Yara Alkhawandi, Maria Alhusari , Aziz Alhusari, Julia Shukri, Aghyad Sharifa, Kareem Jazbeh, Exzavia Gaston, Mansour Aydin, Adam Aydin.
Choreographers: Lana Nouti (Maercker ELL Teacher) and Noora Hazou (Maercker Learning Behavior Specialist)
Description: This is an Arabic dance often performed at weddings and other joyous occasions. The line forms from right to left and the leader of the dabke heads the line.
7:10pm - FASHION SHOW : Wildcats parade in cultural attire. Pre-registered volunteers are listed. If time allows, non-registered Wildcats may join the show.
Participants and Countries Represented:
Bangladesh - Ray Zainul Hawk
Cambodia - Khmer Victoria Chim-Ho
China - Emilia Dong
India - Prisha Shah
India - Shanvitha Kandula and Manhitha Kandula
India - Kanvi Vrajeshkumar Varia
India - Prisha Arora
India - Nabhya Patel
India - Harshavardhan Salke
India - Jiya Jagdale
India - Fabian J Saldanha
India - Aadvik, Satvik
India - Ahana Srivastava
India - Kerala Anvitha Ragesh
Nepal - Prajna Sedai/ Prapti Sedai
Nigeria - Fareed Abioye
Palestine - Marlene Hazou, Isaac Hazou, Sarai Hazou
Philippines - Jasmine Weyrick and Devin Cabrera (Guest from Gower)
Philippines - Alaine Caynila,
Philippines - Aiden & Kiara Burke
Philippines - Angelo Romero, Anikka Romero
Philippines - Natalia Burke, Adriana Burke
Poland - Karolina + Francis Letowski
South Asia - Aamena Carbaidwala
South India - Jane Leona
Attendees will each receive tickets (4 entree and 1 dessert) to 'spend' in the Tasting Room.
Review the list below to plan your sample platter.
A HUGE Thank you to all the restaurants and families who donated and volunteered to help with food!!!
Entrées
-
Plantains, Puff Puff, Jollof Rice, Efo Riro, Fufu donated by: Oluwabukola Abioye
-
Potato Salad donated by: Biljana Anastasova
-
Baklava donated by: Kristina Avramova
-
Bibki donated by: The Caynilla Family
-
Churro Cheesecake Bars and Conchas donated by: Oyuki Cervantes
-
Samosas donated by: Unnati Dixit
-
Coconut rice, white rice with beef and chicken stew, moimoi, akara, and chinchin donated by: Ebere Ekechukwu
-
Makaneesh, Warbat, Fattoush donated by: The Hazou Family
-
Burek I Slatko od Smovi donated by: Cvetanka Ivanova
-
Sticky Rice Desserts donated by: Aleli Jakubek
-
Samosas and Rooh Afza donated by: Batul Kaj-Carbaidwala, Sarah Usmani Hiba Siddique
-
Ravva Laddu donated by: Tirumala Manikanta Kandula
-
Won Tons donated by: Tina Lee
-
Sakotis (cake), Varskes Suris (fresh cheese), Kepta Duona (fried bread with garlic), Snacks (meat, chips, candies),, Namine Misraine (Lithuanian Salad) donated by: Beatrice Liaucyte
-
Chocolate Chip Cookies donated by: The Mistretta Family
-
Tulumbi donated by: Katerina Neskoska
-
Bania donated by: Flora Nikoloska
-
Sarma donated by: Viktorija Nikolova
-
Dhokla donated by: Archana Patel and Lila Patel
-
Baked Beans donated by: Alexsandra Ristovska
-
Hopia donated by: The Romero Family
-
Chicken Biryani, Chicken, and Chai from Bismillah donated by: The Shamsi Family
-
Ajvar Spread donated by: Viktoria Sindeva
-
Indian Chole (chickpeas in gravy sauce-vegan) donated by: Bhavya Sawhney
-
Packaged Serbian Sweets donated by: Tijana Tambus
-
Biblingka donated by: Weyrick Family and Romera Families
-
Taiwanese Pineapple Cake, Rice Crackers donated by: Amanda Wu
-
Falafel, Mar’ook, Eejh, Maaneesh Zaatar, Cheese Pies, Hummus, Baba Ghanouge, M’Tabel, Toasted Pita Bread, Harissa, Dates, Apricot Fruit Roll, Biscuits, and Raha donated by: Syrian Families
-
Two types of Vegetarian Perogies, Delicja (chocolate covered biscuit), and Babka (pound cake) donated by: Dadej, Duda, Glowik, Kucharzyk, Letowski, Osmola, Rusnak, Surmanski, Swierzowski families
Special Thanks
Cultural Festival Chairperson: Archana Patel
​
Cultural Festival Committee: Geeta Saini, Narisa Casimiro, Jennifer Chiaramonte, Rukhsana Iqbal, Poonam Patel, Batul Kaj, Gaja Swierzowski, Noora Hazou, Susan Ejma, Sandy Henricksen, Katerina Neskoski, Kristina Avramova, Victorija Kirov, Nyla Ahmed, Priscilla Huch, Steve Weatherford
​
Westview Hills Principal: Dr. Allister Scott
​
and to the MANY volunteers - families, teachers, students - who participated and helped make this event possible!
​
We also want to thank our sponsors!
Attendees will each receive tickets (4 entree and 1 dessert) to 'spend' in the Tasting Room.
Review the list below to plan your sample platter.
A HUGE Thank you to the restaurants who donated food!!! (they have a PAW mark of thanks)
Asia
Country: China
Cuisine: Chinese
Restaurant: Chinese Kitchen
Food: Fortune Cookies
Country: China
Cuisine: Chinese
Restaurant: Pete's Fresh Market
Food: Veggie Lo Mein, Orange Chicken, Veggie Egg Rolls, General Sao's Chicken
Country: Thailand
Cuisine: Thai
Restaurant: Pete's Fresh Market
Food: Pad Thai Veggie Noodles
Country: Japan
Cuisine: Japanese
Restaurant: Pete's Fresh Market
Food: Sushi Veggie Variety
Europe
Country: Italy
Cuisine: Italian
Restaurant: Pete's Fresh Market
Food: Pizza, Pasta w/ Vodka Sauce, Italian Sausage w/ Peppers, Mac 'N Cheese
Country: Greece
Cuisine: Greek
Restaurant: Pete's Fresh Market
Food: Spanakopita (Feta and Spinach Pies), Cheese Tiropita, Gyros, Bread w/ Tzatztiki Sauce
Country: Italy
Cuisine: Italian
Restaurant: Giordano's
Food: Cheese Pizza
Country: Poland
Cuisine: Polish
Restaurant: Pete's Fresh Market
Food: Pierogis (Cheese, Potato, Pork)
Middle East
Country: Middle East/Greek
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Restaurant: Pete's Fresh Market
Food: Shawerma/ Chicken Kabob
Country: Syria
Cuisine: Syrian
Restaurant: Damascus Falafel
Food: Falafel, Hummus, Rice & Beef Dish
South America
Country: South American
Cuisine: South American
Restaurant: Pete's Fresh Market
Food: Chicken & Beef Tamales, Cheese Quesadillas, Taco Bar w/Beef, Lettuce, Tomato, Beans, Red Salsa, Sour Cream
North America
Country: USA
Cuisine: Southern BBQ
Restaurant: Chuck's Southern Comfort Cafe
Food: Pulled Pork, Mac&Cheese
Country: Cuba
Cuisine: Cuban
Restaurant: J. Fleming's
Food: Cuban Pork Sandwiches
Country: USA
Cuisine: Southern
Restaurant: Neat Kitchen and Bar
Food: Poutine
South Asia
Country: India
Cuisine: Indian
Restaurant: Priya's Kitchen
Food: Mutter Paneer, Butter Naan
Country: India
Cuisine: Indian
Restaurant: Pete's Fresh Market
Food: Butter Chicken, White Rice, Veggie Mini Samosas, Veggie Biryani, Garlic Naan, Cheese Naan,
Desserts
Country: Variety
Cuisine: Variety Dessert
Restaurant: Pete's Fresh Market
Food: Churros, Mini Canoli, Cookies, Kolachki Variety