[Student Reporters] The Asian Movement

On the evening of Saturday February 21st approximately seven thousand Asian-Americans and non-Asians flocked to the Shrine Auditorium in Downtown LA. for the ninth annual Kollaboration performance to begin.

Kollaboration sporting its motto "Empowerment through Entertainment" is a nonprofit organization first founded in 2000 as a talent show to showcase the performing arts talents of Asian American/Canadian artists. Its goal is to break the stereotypical image of the quiet meek Asian and bring the artistic potential of Asians to the attention of the world. The Kollaboration organization brings together an international community of Asian-Americans attracting people nationwide even as far as Canada. It also helps the past generation and present generation to find common ground to connect on and encourages a more constructive outlet for youths to spend their energy on.

"Kollaboration started as a small-time show one city and four hundred guests" said the host welcoming the spectators. "Nobody thought this was going anywhere- now look at us; nine years [six] cities twenty-five shows and tens of thousands of guests." It's true Kollaboration is no longer a small roadside show. Three well-known dance crews from MTV's television show America's Best Dance Crew a girl-crew from MTV's Top Pop Group three world-famous musicians from YouTube and many others came to perform for the sold-out show. Even international pop star BoA came to perform and showcase her first English language album.

There was a wide range of age groups in the audience. When it came time for the competitions and performances the elderly adults teens and children alike screamed and cheered from their seats (and out of their seats) for their favorite performances. For three hours there were no boundaries between adults and teens in the audience- there was only who could scream louder.

With a purpose to showcase hidden talent Kollaboration continues to take its shows across the country to inspire and encourage talented Asian-Americans.