I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to experience my second opera with a group of Iona College students and Dr. Thomas Mussio, of the foreign language department April 17. Last year I saw a production of “Madame Butterfly” and this year I saw “Aida.”

Every spring the foreign language department allows Iona students to apply to go. The experience is free, as is transportation. Also, it is a great excuse to dress up and have a night out in the city.

I wore a navy print dress with a pair of light gray suede heels and a bright green purse from Forever 21. I borrowed H&M jewelry from one of my suitemates.

The outfit is inspired by the latest 1970s spring trend for this spring of 2015.

The print of the navy dress speaks for itself, but there is a modern twist to the dress because of its back. There is a small cutout in the back of the dress that gives it a more elegant look. This type of dress can be dressed up or can be worn casually paired with flip-flops and a floppy hat.

Everyone else was dressed up in their best outfits. I loved seeing how fashionable everyone looked.

As for my experience, my roommate and fellow Assistant Advertising Manager Alexa Filipe and I went to an Italian restaurant on the Upper West Side called Joanne before the play.

Lady Gaga’s parents own the restaurant, and it was the same place we ate at last year. The food is superb there and the homemade spinach dip is delicious.

We had a three-course meal. It was nice to have some roommate bonding and enjoy the great food with her.

After dinner, we walked to Lincoln Center, where the Metropolitan Opera is located. The opera lasted for about three hours, including intermissions.

The opera was fantastic and the production was spectacular. You can see the amount of detail that went into everything from the lighting to the costume designs.

One particular dress Aida wore was a stunning emerald green. The drapery of the dress fit perfectly to the actress and whenever she moved, the dress glided with her.

“Aida” was set in ancient Egypt, and there were several surprises throughout the show. There were a few dance pieces that were choreographed fit for the storyline.

However, the storyline of “Aida” was more dramatic and filled with more spectacle than “Madame Butterfly.” I enjoyed watching Aida and enjoyed seeing how strong of a character she really was during her era.

If anyone has the opportunity to go to the Met Opera, I highly recommend it because it can expand your perspective regarding culture and the arts. Don’t forget about all that exists just a 30-minute train ride away.

To contact the Ionian’s Kim Mulder, e-mail her at [email protected]