Pasifika dance class unites ages, cultures

Dance classes sound like something requiring fancy outfits and pain-inducing footwear but there was as much laughing as dancing at a Pasifika dance class in Alexandra.

Organised by REAP and the Central Otago District Council Welcoming Communities, the class was made up of people of all ages from a very cute toddler to older people, draped in leis, enjoying the music from their chairs.

Those on the dance floor wore lavalava over their street clothes and lei or beads around their necks. Tutor Meraine Rotaria took them through the steps and with irresistible music had the class swinging their hips and moving like they had done it before.

The relaxed atmosphere led to huge smiles as the dancers picked up the moves.

Alexandra resident Lyn Gray said she had never done anything like it before and really enjoyed it. CODC welcoming committee officer Heather Harries said she had tried Bollywood dancing in the past. She liked the slow, rhythmic movements in the Pasifika dance.

Tutor Meraine Rotaria said she had taught dance before including to children at Cromwell schools and in school holiday programmes. Some of her pupils had performed at a concert for Vanuatu after the school holiday sessions.

As well as the dance Mrs Rotaria showed items from traditional dance costumes from her home in Kiribati, dressing Kusitina Colailago in them.

Mrs Colailago, from Fiji, showed some examples of tapa cloth from her home along with other craft items.

Following the dancing, when several people were heard to comment "it was quite a workout", the class enjoyed a well-earned afternoon tea featuring Pasifika treats including cake, made from cassava and coconut milk, and donuts.