LATINExcellence showcase highlights Latine student artists

The third annual LATINExcellence Showcase featured visual art and performances from a myriad of original student artists and organizations.

The Underground came alive this past Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m as Latine students joined together to share their visual art, spoken word poetry, song and dance at the Schwarzman Center.

Audience members and family weekend visitors entering the Elm were first welcomed with easels depicting the works of various student artists, at the sold-out Latinexcellence showcase, organized by La Casa Cultural and the Schwarzman Center. Later on, they were able to enjoy spoken word from students as well as Oye members, performances by Ballet Folklorico and Teatro de Yale, as well as a serenade from Yale’s salsa and merengue ensemble, La Orquesta Tertulia.

“The showcase has been around since before me, but I’ve taken it on as my project over the last few years,” said master of ceremonies Jaden González ’25. “It’s really just a chance for us to provide a platform for Latine creativity and art and talent, sharing that with the community during family weekend.”

With help from Sebastián Eddowes Vargas MFA ’24 , González revived the showcase last year as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. This year’s event, planned in collaboration with Dean Eileen Galvez from La Casa, marks the third annual showcase after its inception in 2019. 

González put particular emphasis on the “importance” of the event taking place on a central part of  campus, he said. “It’s like we’re taking up space at Yale with our art.” 

Multiple students underscored the significance of creating an outlet for Latine artists on campus, referring to past mishaps, like an instance last year when a Lighten Theater manager unexpectedly told student performers to shut down their performance of “In The Heights” mid-scene. 

Montserrat Rodriguez ’25, co-founder of Teatro de Yale, discussed the University’s role in supporting Latine artists.

“Given the lack of institutional support Latine organizations face, it is that much more important for spaces like La Casa, BF, Sabro and Teatro to exist,” Rodriguez said. 

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