On Friday, March 27th, the Black Student Association (BSA) hosted its 27th annual fashion show in Reitz Arena. The theme, ‘The Black Print,’ focused on Black culture, and how that culture has helped shape the foundation of America. With the show coming to pass, spectators and participants alike have their views and opinions on the show.
Raviya Bateau ‘27, a scene leader for the fashion show, was responsible for all choreography, music, and visuals for the dancers in her scene. She emphasized the importance of tying all of these elements together, which aided in making sure that she and her fellow performers were ready come show time.
“Our specific scene had to do with the impact, which is all the trends we did from 2016-2021. Factoring in Dubsmash, TikTok, and Musical.ly, and all of the dances that we do now that are very much still prevalent on TikTok… Just ensuring that people know that these dances really came from us,” Bateau explained, when talking about her scene’s significance.
With such a large project, there are bound to be roadblocks that surface with time. Bateau explained that one of the most pressing problems that the BSA faced during production was experience.
“I think that because we were all beginner scene leaders… We had to rely a lot on other people for support and just guidance of how to do things. Other than that, the fashion show community has been very supportive with everything,” Bateau said.
Eden Mulugeta ‘27, a model for the show, shared that a challenge she had faced with the fashion show was time management.
“As a student, I do have to dedicate a lot of time in order to make sure I practice all the choreography, and to stay on top of the meetings we would have or practice we had, to make sure that I was there for all my scene members,” Mulugeta explained.
When discussing the imagery, and what she hoped that the audience would take away from the performance, Mulugeta hoped that “the audience can appreciate everyone’s hard work and dedication. To see how we all really put our all into making the show as best as it could be. The creativity that was put into it and all the beautiful models we have.”
Audience member Ana Kalinkina ‘28, commends the BSA fashion show for effectively communicating their message in a palatable way. She notes that all the subject areas, such as fashion, social media, music, and television, were encapsulated in an entertaining and meaningful way.
“I really like their transitions between songs. The amount of people and how they could… walk out from different sides, from left and right… It was so uniform, and nobody bumped into each other or anything. The choreography was really good,” Kalinkina explained.
With praise, there also must come constructive criticism. She notes that there were some areas, or stretches of time, during scenes and transitions where there could have been more engaging choreography. She points out a shadow boxing sequence that took place in scene three, and wishes moments like that among the models were sprinkled in more throughout the rest of the show.
Regardless of critique, students and faculty alike sing high praises of the sold-out show. With new students and new ideas circulating every year, there’s no doubt that this annual tradition will replicate the same result next year.