English Teaching College students shine on Globe Theatre stage

Au Gaw San, left, and Taw Doh perform a Karen dance at English Teaching College's 2020 Cultural Performance.

From Jingle Bells to national anthems, to original plays and teachers trying to dance, English Teaching College's cultural performance was an eclectic mix of entertainment.

The end-of-year concert on December 9 in Palmerston North was a celebration of the cultures of students' countries of birth and of their English language journeys.

"We have been running these concerts every year since 2015, and it is always exciting to see the students come together to showcase their talents and their cultures," ETC director of studies Hanna Brookie says.

Some students shared cultural items with us, which is always wonderful," she says.

"Others chose to perform songs that they enjoyed, and did this with great talent and commitment."

Two classes performed original plays, one about what they enjoy and their dreams, the other was about confusion that can arise from the always challenging English language.

"It was also encouraging to see students performing short plays in English and seeing the amazing progress they have made – from the beginner class being able to stand in front of a crowd speaking in English, to a more advanced class writing their own play full of English word play," Brookie says.

Concert-goer Beverley Page says she "was mesmerised by the colourful national costumes and happy faces that surrounded me".

"The pride on the faces of the performers as they sung was almost palpable," Page says.

Student Chea Chhun came to Palmerston North from Cambodia one year ago. He sang Leo Sayer's More Than I Can Say as he used to sing it at parties in his home country.

Student Lh Wei took the photos of the concert.