The lights dimmed on more than 1,000 international students Saturday evening as MSU students took the stage at Breslin Center last Friday, performing traditional Chinese dances and comedy routines at the Chinese Spring Festival Gala.

The Chinese Undergraduate Student Association hosted the event in collaboration with the Office for International Students and Scholars.

The Chinese Spring Festival Gala is the largest annual event CUSA coordinates, secretary for CUSA and accounting senior Suri Su said.

In addition to the Chinese Spring Festival Gala, CUSA organizes several events throughout the school year to aid the transition of Chinese international students.

CUSA offers events for Chinese students, including a resource fair and orientation for new international students, a basketball game for entertainment and a one-day visit to Cedar Point and Lansing Voice, an event where the MSU Chinese community performs songs.

Su believes the Chinese New Year brings the Chinese community together, not only in attendance, but also in preparation.

“We have an alliance with other Chinese association volunteers to work and plan the event,” Su said.

The festival focused on 16 student-led performances, including choreographed dance, street dance, singing, stand-up comedy and instrumental performances.

International students traditionally celebrate the New Year eating dumplings with family and watching fireworks, along with the annual CCTV New Year’s Gala celebration show on the popular China Central Television channel.

CUSA Chinese Spring Festival Gala is meant to replicate the state-run CCTV channel that a large number of international students are familiar with watching at home.

“It is the occasion which all the family members will gather together and celebrate the coming of spring,” marketing chairman for CUSA Jacob Yu said. “The importance of Spring Festival is just like Christmas to Western culture, and it is definitely something that we relate our Chinese identities to.”

Human geography junior Richard Wetzel, celebrated the Chinese New Year for the first time at the gala.

Wetzel spent a significant amount of time in Japan, which introduced him to traditional Asian cultures.

International student and education freshman Lucy Li celebrated the Chinese New Year for the first time at the CUSA Chinese Spring Festival Gala.

The holiday initiated a case of homesickness for Li, as she calls northwest China home.

“My family gets together and has a big dinner and we watch the Chinese New Year’s Gala on TV,” Li said.

For international and domestic students alike, the new year means a new start.

“This year it’s a Lunar New Year, which means peace, luck and happiness,” business freshman Ralph Li said.

Hailing from southern China, attending the CUSA Chinese Spring Festival Gala makes Li feel at home.

“It’s thoughtful. I miss home a little bit, but I’m happy here,” Li said.