ed rose petals were scattered on the floor of the ballroom at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center Saturday night as Nelly and Kelly Rowland blasted on the speakers.
Girls wrapped their arms around each others’ shoulders and posed for disposable-camera shots in the lobby, their formal dresses sparkling.
The Krimson and Kream Ball, hosted by Delta Sigma Theta sorority and Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, was held from 10:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
According to Delta Sigma Theta president Crystal Kerney, the ball has been held since 1990 and is a nationwide event. She said Kappa Alpha Psi has been hosting the event with them since 1991.
The Fulton senior said both organizations’ colors are crimson and cream, and the ball, which is traditionally held around Valentine’s Day, was decorated floor-to-ceiling in the colors.
Kerney compared the dance to a high school prom.
“It’s a chance for people to dance, mingle, socialize and look good,” Kerney said.
More than 200 tickets were sold in advance.
Kacee Haskins from Dover, Del., who was helping sell tickets, said they were having a good turnout. Haskins is the treasurer for Delta Sigma Theta.
It was the first time Haskins had helped plan the ball, and she said it took quite a bit of work.
One of the things she said both organizations had to do was learn to help each other out.
“We had to come together and make decisions together,” she said.
Tables were set up around the room and groups of girls sat around them, talking and laughing. White lights entwined trees that lined the walls of the room.
Red heart-shaped balloons and bunches of red and white balloons finished off the floating candle centerpieces.
Kappa Alpha Psi president Bryant Smith said he was pleased at how the dance was going. He said there was a good turnout even though the dance, which has been held at Ellis Place in the past, was moved to a new location.
“It’s going well and people haven’t even gotten on the dance floor yet,” Smith said.
Hopkinsville freshman Latrese Chambers and Louisville freshman LaTasha Schmidt, attended the dance together because they heard about it and thought it would be fun.
The friends said they got their hair done and bought jewelry for the dance. Chambers wore a bright red dress and Schmidt a navy blue one.
Franklin senior Desiree Williams said she wanted to go to the ball because she had never been before.
Williams wore an old prom dress, but decided to treat herself by getting her hair and nails done.
She said she has friends who went all out for the dance. One bought a fur coat, and another planned to wear fake eyelashes.
“It’s just one night,” Williams said. “It’s not the prom. I just wanted to dress up.”
Williams attended the dance with some friends from the organization Sister 2 Sister.
Kerney said the money raised from the Krimson and Kream Ball will be used to fund campus and community programs for both organizations. She said Delta Sigma Theta’s national philanthropy is Habitat for Humanity.
By raising money for good causes and allowing people to have fun in the process, the Krimson and Kream Ball was a success.
“Everybody looks forward to Krimson and Kream,” Kerney said.
Reach Emily Salmon at features@wkuherald.com.
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