The highly anticipated New Year's Eve Gala, held on the eve of the winter vacation, marked the culmination of a successful semester with a night of enchantment and celebration. Distinguished faculty members and students came together to reflect on the achievements of the past year and eagerly anticipate the blessings that the new year would bring. The event was organized by students and clubs, fostering an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.

A Magnificent Commencement

The evening unfolded in a grand manner with captivating performances. The array of performances included the enchanting melodies of “We Don't Talk Anymore”, the mesmerizing dance routine called Fox, and the engaging game Who Is the Undercover Agent. Notably, the dance performance Fox elevated the atmosphere to its pinnacle, engulfing the audience in a whirlwind of rhythmic music and vibrant colors. In a subsequent interview, student dancer Melody Han expressed her elation at finally getting the opportunity to showcase this extraordinary dance at the Gala. She hoped that the striking red attire would leave a lasting visual impact, provoking deep contemplation on the dichotomy of good and evil symbolized by foxes.

Memorable Moments

One of the evening's highlights was the thought-provoking drama performance titled Who Killed Sunday. From Monday to Saturday, the pupils performed as characters. Because everyone else put off doing the project until Sunday, the day it was due, Sunday suddenly died away from overwork, which is why they were gathered together on this particular day. "We have already done what we need to do," Tuesday and Wednesday both claimed. However, the truth was that the majority of Tuesday and Wednesday was spent watching TV and scrolling through Weibo rather than doing their assigned duties. "Anyway, the work can be caught up on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday," they claimed. While everyone is shoving, pushing, and blaming one another, nobody wants to acknowledge that Sunday was slain by their laziness. Through vivid and humorous acts, the students skillfully portrayed the consequences of procrastination, prompting laughter and inspiring reflection on the importance of efficient time management.

Ultimately, the climax of the gala was reached with Fusion's inspiring performance. Fusion’s performance elevated the atmosphere of the entire venue to the peak.  In these dances, students develop their own styles and show off their individuality. Their seamless fusion of classic, modern, and K-pop styles showcased meticulous preparation and unleashed a flood of artistic brilliance. Each dance exuded a distinct charm, captivating the audience and elevating the atmosphere to new heights. The dancers engaged onlookers with their coordinated movements and powerful choreography, radiating confidence and enthusiasm with every move.

Ending with an Emotive Melody

As the evening progressed, a series of breathtaking musical and theatrical performances enthralled the audience. The grand finale featured the members of the student union coming together on stage. Their voices intertwined in a heartfelt rendition of the song “QiLiXiang,” paying tribute to the audience. The lyrics resonated throughout the hall, evoking past memories and immersing the audience in a tapestry of emotions.

The hosts, in their closing remarks, proclaimed a message of hope for the future: "May the future be adorned with vitality and radiance. Let us embrace tomorrow with hope, accompanied by melodies and laughter." This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of optimism that shall guide each individual on their unique path toward a prosperous future.

As the curtains fell on the New Year's Eve Gala, the school community bid farewell to the festivities and embarked on a new year brimmed with endless possibilities.

Writers：Natelie Yan

Editors：Morgan Lin, Minerva Huang, Annie Liu

Photo by: Yvan Yang, Melody Han,  FOCUS

Interviewers: Emily Tang, Minerva Huang