Honoring the horse through movement and costume
The club’s costume lead Enkhjin Jinn, a sophomore in business, said the team chose to perform Joroon Joroo, a traditional Mongolian folk dance that honors the horse—an animal deeply woven into Mongolian history. “For many centuries, Mongolians used horses in daily life. Even nowadays, in modern life, we still respect horses and treat them like family members,” she explained.
Jinn said the white and blue costumes were chosen not simply for aesthetics, but for meaning. White represents purity and respect, while blue symbolizes the “Eternal Blue Sky,” which Mongolians believe protects and guides them. “We believe we communicate with our ancestors through the Eternal Blue Sky or to refresh ourselves when we feel drained,” she said.
Choreographer Anar Rroase, a sophomore in computer science from Mongolia, said costume and choreography were designed to work together. The flowing fabric allows movements to mirror a horse’s gait, while the bells attached to each dancer’s hands symbolize the sound of hooves. “It’s about connecting with nature—feeling the wind as you ride a horse,” she said. “It’s about being part of nature.”
Exel Chrystiawan, a business marketing junior from Indonesia and a performer, said learning the meaning behind the costumes and colors changed how he approached the performance. “I performed it with more respect and intention,” he said. Chrystiawan added he hopes the audience feels the spirit of Mongolia he felt—the wide open sky, strong teamwork and loyalty—reflected in the galloping choreography.