28 April, 2025

Dalian Goes Global: Highlights from International Day 2025

International Day at DAIS

On Saturday, April 26, the Dalian campus transformed into a vibrant hub of international celebration as students, teachers, and families came together for International Day 2025 — a spectacular event that honored the rich cultural diversity of our school community.

A Stage Full of Culture and Creativity

The event opened with a Welcome Speech delivered by our Head of School, followed by a Parade of Nations and the National Anthems, celebrating the more than 20 countries represented in our community. The stage then came alive with a series of cultural performances that showcased the talents and traditions of our students and staff.

Highlights included:

  • A graceful opening dance titled “Lovesickness” performed by bilingual students and teachers,
  • A lively Russian dance “Moskau” by Grade 1 students,
  • A mesmerizing Chinese music medley featuring the traditional instruments guzheng, pipa, and sheng,
  • Energetic performances like the Jiezi Drum, “Sunny Big Boy”, and “Sound Waves”.

A spontaneous and fun Flash Mob was organized by our amazing Parent Support Group, where students and teachers joined in a surprise dance, spreading laughter and joy across the venue.

Chinese clothing

The celebration continued with a runway show of ancient Chinese clothing, a choral performance of “The World Is For Me,” and a touching ukulele rendition of “Remember Me” by Grade 4 students. The event concluded with a powerful and emotional performance of “You Raise Me Up” by Ms. Lin Mu and her young students — a perfect finale to a day filled with heart and harmony.

Exploring the World One Booth at a Time

The country booths were a true highlight of the day, each one thoughtfully curated to showcase the unique identity of a different nation. These vibrant spaces offered more than just delicious food — they featured interactive games, traditional crafts, cultural displays, and hands-on activities that invited guests to learn, play, and connect. From trying on traditional clothing to testing knowledge with fun trivia, each booth provided a mini-journey into the heart of a culture, making the event both educational and entertaining for all ages.

Egypt booth

Food and Prizes That Lit Up the Day

No celebration is complete without great food and a bit of excitement — and International Day 2025 delivered both in abundance. The West Street vendors and country booths together created a vibrant culinary experience, offering a mouthwatering array of international dishes. Each booth proudly served authentic cuisine representing their country, giving guests the chance to taste flavors from around the world. Meanwhile, the Lucky Draw brought a thrilling twist to the festivities, with an exciting mix of prizes — including a framed 1000 Hong Kong Dollar bill and a golden lion head collectible from HSBC, our generous general sponsor. Other prizes ranged from luxury hotel stays and spa experiences to educational packages and family-friendly adventures — a perfect blend of flavor and fortune that kept spirits high throughout the day.

Parent Support Group

International Day 2025 was a joyful reminder that when we come together to celebrate our differences, we create a stronger, more connected community — one that truly reflects the spirit of our global family.