Globalpalooza, the yearly celebration of the many cultures that make up the UMSL student body, was once again an annual success. The hard work of UMSL Global, Student Outreach and Support and student participants made it one of the semester’s most attended events.
Students looked around the Century Room, balancing styrofoam containers of food as they waited in long lines. The event quickly filled up, forcing students to lean against walls or sit on the ground to get a view of the stage. A series of musical acts brought high-octane performances to the rooms and captivated the audience.
The St. Louis Boogaloo Crew, including UMSL faculty member Dawn Weber on trumpet, performed an original blend of Latin music and American soul. The band created a meaningful celebration of multiculturalism on our campus and in St. Louis.
The Spirit of Angela, a West African dance troupe based in St. Louis, also performed at the event, with a full percussion band and dancers. They ended with audience participation, bringing in students and staff to dance. Without any practice or training, they were able to be a part of the experience. A slogan the group uses to promote itself is: “If you can walk, you can dance. If you can talk, you can sing.”
It rang true here. Everyone was encouraged to participate. This line of thinking extended to all the activities that were offered. The emphasis on audience participation and the students’ genuine interest in other cultures and customs made this event the success it was.
