The Black and White gala is one reason I came to Cabrini.
As a high school senior I came for my first open house in November.
I wasn’t the crazed student visiting colleges on weekend trips with my family; I still wasn’t sure where I wanted to go.
Yet somewhere between the boxed lunch and the tour of the communication wing I heard from a senior that the night before was the Black and White gala in the mansion.
I let the words gala and mansion sink in, filling my head with a fantastical ideal of a music-video-worthy night spent in a sequined dress on a grand wooden stairwell swinging on a chandelier.
I was hooked.
After the guide rambled on about academics, dorms and curriculum, I needed something that stood out.
Joking aside, the Black and White gala is a staple of Cabrini.
As a freshman I huddled in my sparkly, flowy dress, walking over the dirt path between Xavier and East in stiletto heels. Friends huddled in winter coats to the mansion.
Stepping in the old, haunted mansion was like being on a movie set.
The entire dark place with its ornate walls and secrets was lit up with flashing colored lights and top-40 songs blaring from a corner.
It was a few weeks before Thanksgiving break and a chance to let loose and dress up before the insanity of finals.
Last year, I stumbled over late in yet another sequined dress, dancing with friends, shamelessly making duck faces for the photo booth, devouring chocolate-covered strawberries, mini lemon bars and cans of diet coke.
I couldn’t wait to be 21 to (legally) drink the two free glasses of wine offered for those 21 and over at the dance.
This year, I was set to go out and buy another dress (most likely a bedazzled bargain with some form of sequins) and wear the glittery heels I have.
Short girls like me need heels for practice, even if they only stay on for the first minute of the dance.
Yet, there would be no night of glamour and fun at themansion.
The Black and White gala is cancelled.
It’s just a dance.
There are tons of other things to do and get into on a Friday night at college.
Still, the gala was a tradition since freshman year and it’s a night to be in a mansion and make memories with friends.
It’s not really about the tiny dresses, heels, drinks and dessert bar.
The gala was a time to break free from the norm of stressful weeks before the semester ending and celebrating (in a semi-classy way) with friends.
Plus I was ready to dance to Iggy Azalea.
I’ve heard that the budget has been a problem for the dance, but we don’t need all the desserts or photo booths.
The gala should be saved. I pay enough tuition and loans.
Seniors will not be able to have their last Black and White gala.
I hope that the tradition will be brought back next year so that everyone can have the gala experience for a mere $10.
Even if you are not swinging from the chandelier, it’s sure to be an exciting night.
@jessicaparadysz
