Sounds of the islands featured at annual luau
Sounds of the islands echoed throughout a packed Kent Concert Hall Friday night as traditional Polynesian dance provided high-energy entertainment.
“The show was an inclusion of all the ethnic backgrounds to share the Polynesian culture and to help people feel the love of the Polynesian Islands,” said Keith Osai, Multicultural Student Services Academic Programs Coordinator.
Following a traditional luau feast, Polynesian song and dance told the story of Maui, a character who traveled to the islands of Tonga, Samoa, Tahiti, Fiji, New Zealand and Hawaii.
Dance instructor Analee Christensen said the dancers had been working three nights a week since January in preparation for the event.
“It was a miracle pulling everything together,” Christensen said. “Our culture is so embracing,” and the group loves sharing that heritage.
Bill Munns, a volunteer at the event, said, “The Polynesian people have such a passion, and it is evident to see their devotion in what they do.”
Other Polynesian dances such as Ipo Lei Momi, E Mihi Aroha and Loukie Mei Ha’amoa, told stories about the islands and their people.
Physics major Nick Tollstrup said the “Haka” was his favorite because he was more familiar with it. Tollstrup said he liked how the dancers moved together to present the meaning behind their actions.
As dancers moved to the music, friends and family approached the stage and placed money on them. Osai said the money was a show of love and appreciation for the dancers. He said it was apparent who was the crowd favorite or who was really loved by how much money they were given.
While dancing is a big part of Polynesian culture, food is just as important and is a great way to pull family and friends together, Osai said.
Alix Court, English major and attendee of the luau said she really enjoyed the cuisine.
“The food hit me home,” she said. “It was just good family food.”
Those attending the luau were served pulled pork, which had been roasted underground for roughly four hours; suka, chicken in a sweet sauce; white rice; salad and guava cake.
Tollstrup said he was glad he decided to go to the luau.
“(Going to the luau) seemed like a really good way to go and experience a different culture and it felt for one night like I was a part of their family,” he said.
The food was provided by the Pauni Family catering business and served in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel on 650 N. and 1200 East. Janet Pauni, four-year owner of the business, said she enjoys catering and helping out the community.
“It always takes us back to our island,” she said.
Osai said the night couldn’t have happened with out the dancers, volunteers and the technicians. He said, “It’s a beautiful thing,” to see all the support given to make the night possible.
–cassi.joe.cline@aggiemail.usu.
LC
USU students perform Ipo Lei Momi, a couples Hula, at a luau Friday night in the Kent Concert Hall. (CAMERON PETERSON photo)