First show for Vava'u dance group [1]
Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 15:44. Updated on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 - 16:42.
from Dianne Schulz
When the Paradise International Hotel in Vava'u put out the call to the island's youth to form an authentic Tongan song and dance group, 10 boys, six girls, and three musicians responded. For the last six weeks the youth, known as the Paradise International Hotel Cultural Group, practiced two hours a day, five days a week culminating in their first public performance this past week.
Ono Msilsnhi, the project manager said, ...I knew absolutely nothing about Tongan dance and song when I began, but I...m good at forming things. Credit goes to the teacher Frazer Piutau - he teaches the many authentic songs and dances. His cultural knowledge coupled with his personality brings the group together as a team.
"Youth have responded from different villages all over Vava...u. There are students, a teacher, a worker for a lumber company, existing employees of the hotel, and others who are unemployed....
All the participants are paid for their practice time and those who are suitably committed, are given the opportunity through training of ongoing employment.
...Resources are provided..., said Ono. ...A committed teacher, costumes, transportation when needed to and from distant villages ... enabling some who otherwise could not work in the village for lack of transportation, and a set stage for their future performance at the hotel.
"Have faith in the young kids. Employers need to resource them, to give them a platform to learn and grow. There is also in need of support for their present and future employment. It takes the investment of time and resources, but the returns are great for building self- esteem, and of giving them hope for the future," said Ono.