Dancing, laughter, cheers, whistles, and singing filled the Great Hall Friday evening as more than 25 countries were represented at the 7th Annual Global Gala: “One World, One Festival” in the Memorial Union. The show featured a multicultural art show, a host of ethnic hors d’oeurves, and ended with a vibrant stage performance.

The evening began with multiple countries being represented at different tables showcasing unique crafts, art, photography, and clothing. Here, audience members and guests could interact with the participants and learn more about the featured countries. Appetizers were brought out later in the evening for quests to snack on while watching a presentation of music videos from different countries from a projector.

At 8 p.m. the main stage performance kicked off with a final countdown and six “travelers” led the audience to different festivals around the world in a year. The show featured a Chinese New Year celebration, a Russian scarf dance, a Puerto Rican dance, and a dance for Diwali, to name a few. For the finale, performers were all back on stage dancing and singing together.

“[The show] was just, I thought, very well done, very high energy, and a lot of variety too,” said Nevada community member, Mary Von Ah-Gregory. “I thought they did a fantastic job. That is a lot of work to pull off they way they pulled it off. I was very impressed. The costumes were great too.” This was her second time attending a Global Gala performance, but her first time experiencing Global Gallery where Von Ah-Gregory made sure to taste the food, attempt juggling, take a picture in Russian clothing, and even purchase a picture from a local artist.

Sesame chicken bites, beef empanadas, African plantains, Indonesian pisang cokelat, hummus with pita points, salsa and chips, and fresh fruit were all served during the Global Gallery before the stage performance.

Over 100 individuals were involved in this year’s show and more volunteers than ever helped make the show a success according to Anna Prisicari, Student Union Board multicultural director and performer.

“I was so nervous backstage, but it went great,” said Prisicari. “I hope everyone liked it.”

According to Prisicari more cultures were represented at this show than last year’s, adding to the overall experience for the audience. India was even represented multiple times throughout the show with traditional dances from different regions of the country.

“I enjoyed the diversity, and I think it is cool to see they have fun performing for their country. I am a bit jealous that my country is a bit boring in that perspective,” said Constantin Jansen, an international graduate student from Germany studying agronomy.

Jansen attended last year’s show and said the show this year was “slicker” and better organized than last year’s.

“I would encourage them to keep going and I feel it is getting better each year,” said Jansen.