Alpha Psi Lamda presented its first-ever variety show Friday Oct. 27 in the Auditorium, hosted by Maurice Davis, Alberto Higareda, and Violette Torres.
The show presented a total of eight acts, ranging from a flamenco-dancing youth troupe.
During the show, donations were taken for the St. Jude Children’s research hospital, and the final amount raised was over $200. Despite a series of setbacks and technical hicups during the beginning of the show, the show went on for a crowd of about 50 spectators.
While the show struggled to make its way to the end, it did have its share of highlights. Among them was the Ensemble Espanol Spanish Youth Company made up of several grade-schoolers bursting with enthusiasm, performing two spectacular flamenco dances while fully decked out in flamenco dress. The aggressive stomping and graceful flailing of the dancers’ arms and skirts impressed the crowd and got the show moving after a rocky beginning.
Lizette Yacklo from DePaul University came up shortly afterward, performing a seductive belly dancing routine that left the crowd mesmerized. The veil and shiny rhinestones on her outfit further enhanced the effects of the Yacklo’s dance.
After an Indian song by Jacob Chaco and a march by Aspha Psi Lamda, the NEIU Hip Hop Club performed a free-style session. Spitting “hot fire,” as Davis described it, they went on to lay down a good amount of school spirit in their raps.
After the Hip Hop Club, Davis and Higareda took the stage to perform a few jokes. After starting to lose the crowd and receiving a few snipes, they called a few ladies to the stage to be serenaded and receive lap dances. Shortly afterward, a comedian took the stage and stepped off after receiving several half-hearted threats due to off-color jokes.
Third World was the final act up and performed three pieces before wrapping it up. Torres made a few closing remarks before members of Alpha Psi Lamda took the stage again to march one last time.