Honoring Kiribatian heritage through a blend of traditional dance and modern music
Moving in rhythmic patterns, Kiribati Club performers brought the space to life with energetic steps and coordinated gestures, their costumes decorated with coconut shells and woven mats that swayed with each movement.
“This year, it’s something completely different,” stated Oemwa Johnson, club president and senior majoring in biology and accounting from Kiribati. She explained how the club diversified their performance, using audio tracks while incorporating several new props they have never used before. She said the club hopes audiences will look beyond the dancing to see the history and heritage Kiribati members represent. “It’s about storytelling—about our culture and traditions,” she said.
The club chose to opt for audio playback instead of live music this year. Johnson stated how the songs were “a remix of modern and old [music], a fusion.” She also noted the Kiribatian stick dance “Te Tirere,” a traditional dance they had not previously performed.
The performers wore costumes featuring traditional apparel and cultural accessories. Among several, Johnson highlighted the “karuru,” a decorative band for the hands and fingertips. She also explained how the women’s outfits featured sashes, or “ramwane,” complemented by black and white shells made from coconut: the “katau” (black) and the “tumara” (white). Meanwhile, the men donned dancing mats culturally known to be interwoven by women’s hair.
Choreographer Tekaai Tekanene, a senior from Kiribati majoring in information technology, noted the team’s strong sense of teamwork and togetherness during their dance practices. “Everyone contributed and showed their effort by showing up, practicing and helping each other,” he said.
Sanita Tebeua, a freshman from Kiribati majoring in political science, shared her wishes for the audience. She said, “I hope that through our dance, the audience can get a glimpse of how our tradition is like.” She hoped the club’s dance differentiated Kiribati club from other Pacific cultures.
