BYU-Hawaii Student Activities brought together hundreds of students under a colorful sky during the annual chalk dance opening social on Jan. 16. “We hold this dance every semester. It’s usually our biggest event of the semester,” said Eddie Coronado, the supervisor of Student Activities, and a senior from Florida studying political science.“We got this idea from what’s happening in Utah at the Hare Krishna temple in Spanish Fork,” Coronado also stated. The event, known as the Holi Festival, or “Festival of Colors,” is an annual Hindu celebration of the triumph of good over evil. The festival takes place south of Salt Lake City every springtime and usually receives about 70,000 participants. The BYUHSA office began planning for the event in the Fall Semester, according to Coronado. The chalk dance brings students together from all around the world. The idea is that each participant wears white and dances while colored, powdered chalk is thrown. The chalk leaves different patterns on the students’ clothing, making each person’s appearance unique.“It’s almost like a way of expressing yourself,” said Lauren Kemp, a sophomore from Washington, D.C. studying exercise and sport science. “I really enjoyed the dance this year. I’m glad I decided to come out.”The event took place in the Little Circle, where a wide range of music filled the air. Songs ranging from artists like Michael Jackson and Lil Jon created an atmosphere unlike any other dance on campus.“This is really a great time for everyone to come together and meet each other,” said Marshall Smith, a freshman from Washington studying business.Uploaded January 22, 2015
Writer: Jared Roberts
