Asian Arts Festival

A vibrant celebration of Asian arts and cultures, showcasing music, theatre, dance, a children's fashion show, stand up comedy, workshops, food, art market, cultural performances and more.

Performers

The Takumi Japanese Drumming Group

The Takumi Japanese Drumming Group was formed over 15 years ago by a small group of Japanese individuals. Over the years, the club has performed at various events in the Canterbury region. Our members thoroughly enjoy displaying part of their culture through the heart pounding sounds of the Japanese drums. We hope you enjoy our performance.

Ritmo Pilipino

Ritmo Pilipino is a non-profit organization consisting of multi-talented individuals dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich tapestry of Filipino heritage through the art of dance. The group's name means, ‘Filipinas expressing strong rhythmic steps through dancing’, They aim to be torchbearers of Filipino cultural pride through the captivating language of dance that reflect the Philippines' history, folklore, and multicultural influences. By infusing these time-honored dances with modern interpretations, they seek to bridge the gap between generations, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for our cultural roots.

The UC Gamelan Ensemble

Based out of the University of Canterbury School of Music, this ensemble plays a traditional form of Indonesian music known as gamelan, which is a widespread tradition across Indonesia with many different regional varieties. This type of gamelan in particular is called Gong Kebyar and comes from
Bali. It is known for using complex interlocking rhythmic patterns on various metallophones, gongs and drums of different sizes to create fast, dynamic
and exciting performance.

The ECHO

A young Rock band with a tint of Blues sounds with super bass line, killer guitars solos and drum beats that will send shock wave through your body!

Cornermental Rock Band

Cornermental is an Asian pop/rock band. The band was formed in 2019, with the singer, Eric, Nodoka, Honza and Aaron, lead guitarist Glen, guitarists Honza, guitarist Jimcy, drummer Nelson, bass Sam. They have been playing at Chch night market, bars, and events.

Simurgh Music School

Traditional Persian performance group from Simurgh Music School. Founded in 2022 in Christchurch, New Zealand, Simurgh is a community of musicians
sharing their passion for traditional instruments of Persia and the surrounding regions of the Middle-East. This performance will feature a Persian percussion group and drums led by instructor Esmail Fathi, as well as some Persian stringed instruments such as santur, tar and setar.

Fashion Show

Children’s fashion show is an important part of the Asian Arts festival. It is a demonstration of traditional costumes from Asian cultures or some costumes with Asian elements will be presented by children who are from Asian backgrounds and/or those who are interested in Asian culture and arts. This year, we will have mums join their children, which will be huge fun.

Bangla Dance Group

Bangla Dance Group, Christchurch is a non-profit ethnic dance group which promotes Bengali music and culture through their dance performances to the wider community of Christchurch, New Zealand. The word ‘Bangla’ is the edonym of Bengali language which is the official language of Bangladesh and also the official state language of West Bengal, Tripura and Barak Valley in the state of Assam. Bengali is the 7th most widely spoken language in the world. Through Bangla Dance Group, Christchurch, the members, originally from Bangladesh and India, are celebrating their heritage culture and language.

Bloom Art — Olivia Dancing & Drama Studio

The sign language dance performance will feature the performers singing and using sign language to present the 24 solar terms of China and Chinese etiquette. The 24 solar terms are the crystallization of ancient wisdom. The etiquette performance is an expression of Chinese culture to the world.
Spring Breeze Reverie - This Classical Chinese Dance celebrates not only nature’s renewal, but also the freedom and joy that spring brings to the soul.
Drizzle in the Alley - Set in a quaint southern alley veiled in fine drizzle, this classical Chinese dance evokes the delicate charm of Jiangnan’s misty streets.

Bollywood Dance by RDDC

Bollywood Dance by RDDC blends the vibrant energy with modern and traditional dance styles. Their performances are colorful, expressive, and full of joy. Suitable for all ages, RDDC’s Bollywood dance brings communities together in a lively, inclusive experience.

Kirakira Dance

A dance crew based in Christchurch specializing in KPOP and JPOP. We began in the University of Canterbury and have since become an independent dance crew. We have won multiple KPOP competitions and we perform at various events within Christchurch every year. What makes us unique is that all of our members have dance training backgrounds in hip hop, jazz, ballet and more. We hope you enjoy our performance.

Beyond Dance

This vibrant hiphop performance, presented by Beyondance, is a tribute to the golden age of street dance and new style—brought to life by a passionate crew of young dancers. Embracing old school foundations such as grooves, rhythm, with a mix of synchronized movement and freestyle flair, the performance highlights the dancers’ growth, teamwork, and love for the culture. Despite their young age, these performers exude confidence and musicality, embodying the spirit of hiphop through every beat.

Animal Puppet Show by Natural Magic Pirates

Come join us for a magical experience like no other. Our talented entertainers will bring enchanting pirate stories to life right before your eyes. Get ready to be amazed by the magical world's puppets and pirates!

Full timetable to come.

euac.co.nz 

Concerts