Polynesian Paradise Dancers will perform traditional dances on Saturday as part of Beaver Round-up.
It may feel almost like summer outside but one event at Beaver Round-up will bring a true tropical experience to Dillingham. The Polynesian Paradise Dancers will be performing traditional dances from the South Pacific.
It may seem at first that dancers used to warm tropical climates would be anxious about coming to Alaska but Akemi Welsh, director of the Polynesian Paradise Dancers, doesn’t expect it will be a problem for her group.
The group specializes in traditional dances from Hawaii, New Zealand, and Tahiti. The group has traveled to over 35 states to share their music and cultural dances. This is their first time to Alaska.
“So it is differently our mission to bring some Hawaiian culture to people who may not normally have the experience of a traditional luau," said Welsh. "So we’re going to bring our grass skirts and all.”
Along with food at the Luau, the group will get people involved with the show. Welsh said they will teach the audience how to hula.
“We'll show them how the movements tell a story, because that is the tradition of the island that all our dances tell a story,” said Welsh.
Welsh says she aims to make the show entertaining but also wants to educate people on the culture and tradition of the Polynesian islands.
“So they might be learning something and not even realize it,” said Welsh.
The Polynesian Paradise Dancers will be performing Saturday night at 7 in the Middle School gym.
Contact Matt Martin at (907)-842-2200 or matt@kdlg.org.