When the Latinx Student Union’s (LSU) Unity Ball first began in 2022, it aimed to showcase different cultures on campus through professional performances and dances. While LSU has continued that mission throughout the years, this year’s Unity Ball will be the first time all dances and performances are solely student-led.
On April 4th, LSU will host its fourth annual Unity Ball in the Quiet Side of Commons. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., food will be served at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m.
To learn more about the planning of this celebration on campus, The Beacon sat down with LSU President, Josué Garcia, and Unity Ball Chairs, Daniela Rivera and Monica Marcial.
The Beacon: What is Unity Ball, and what does it celebrate?
Rivera: It's celebrating Latin culture on campus, trying to bring Latin culture to the University of Portland, and we try our best to encompass different cultures through dance, music, food and performances.
The Beacon: What performances will there be?
Marcial: We're going to be having FASA and BSU perform, and then we're going to be performing our own cultural dances. So we're going to have merengue, cumbia, folklorico, reggaeton, [a] silly dance and senior dance. We'll also be having a banda that's gonna be playing — they even performed at El Grito this year. So they'll be coming in, and we're gonna end the night with a banda and the DJ. It'll be an open baile so you guys can bring your friends and dance.
The Beacon: What foods will be featured on the menu? Who is catering?
Marcial: We're catering through Bon App. The menu will have pupusas with a meat option and a vegetarian option with just cheese, ropa vieja, which is a Cuban dish, rice and beans and aguas frescas too. This year we're gonna be having a bar as well. It’s only for 21 plus, and you do have to pay for your own drinks. They’re gonna be in closed containers, so things like seltzers and ciders.
The Beacon: How have you seen Unity Ball grow since it was first introduced?
Rivera: I think it's grown a lot, not even from the number of people that show up, but also just the way we are putting on the show. I think in years past, we've only had one student performance from LSU. This year, we moved away from that, [and] we're just doing all student performances.
The Beacon: What is one part of Unity Ball you are most excited for students to see this year?
Garcia: I'm excited for everyone to see the dances. Honestly, the choreographers have been putting in a lot of work. I'm especially excited for the big dance at the end because it's always fun.
The Beacon: Where can students buy tickets?
Marcial: It's gonna be $12 for entrance, and it gives you entrance into the show, and then also your food. We made a ticket link, and it's gonna be on our Instagram page and our Linktree.
The Beacon: Who can attend the event?
Garcia: Everyone and anyone — so family members, faculty members, staff members, students. You don't have to be in tune with the culture. You don't have to identify as Latinx. You don't have to be part of this student group. This is open for everyone. We want to make sure, you know, Unity Ball is the name, and we want this to be a unity of people to come and watch us.
Kripa Manoj is a reporter for The Beacon. She can be reached at manoj28@up.edu
