On the evening of April 6th, Loomis Chaffee came alive with the spirit of cultural celebration as the community gathered for the 15th annual Cultural Outburst. From 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., students and faculty brought the diverse cultural heritage of their student body to life through an array of food booths, vibrant performances, and a fashion show that displayed traditional attire from various countries.
This year’s event featured 24 food booths, each representing a different culture. Numerous new cuisines, including Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine, were featured, along with countless returning booths. These new additions provided a fresh perspective on the global tapestry that composes the student body at Loomis Chaffee.
The performances of the evening were initiated by a captivating dance by the Zolotyj Promin Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, led by alum Zennon Briggs ’22. Zennon, who has been part of this ensemble since he was eight years old, shared his cultural heritage through dance, mesmerizing the audience with traditional Ukrainian movements. Following this, the school’s Step Team and other cultural acts added their unique expressions to the night’s festivities.
A highlight of the evening was the fashion show, which featured traditional attire from a number of different cultures, showcasing a breathtaking array of fabrics, styles, and accessories that told stories of cultural identity and heritage. Claire Kietduriyakul, an International Student Ambassador, noted the participation of her peers: “Someone in my ISA cohort participated in the fashion show, so it was a really good opportunity for people to showcase their cultures beyond the international student community in a fun way.”
The booths weren’t just about food; they also served as educational platforms. Students prepared informational posters and gave presentations aimed at deepening the understanding of their cultures. Claire added, “We had a huge turnout this year compared to last year, and I know a lot of the freshman like the Thai students were super excited to participate and cook for the first time in the dorms.”
Aster Conway-Repport, a PRISM president, reflected on the event’s broader impact: “It was super fun seeing all the cultures showcased. It really highlighted the multicultural blend of students at Loomis.”
Cultural Outburst is more than an annual event; it is a vital expression of the diverse and inclusive community at Loomis Chaffee. As the evening drew to a close, excitement was already building for next year’s celebration, with plans to further expand the cultural showcases that make this event a cornerstone of the school year..
