Tahiti Club president hopes to continue the legacy of his ancestors by honoring and performing their traditional songs on their behalf
Tahiti Club President Klaus Tuera, said the presidency of Tahiti Club was inspired to create it Culture Night performance by the words in Malachi 4:6, “... he shall turn the heart of the fathers to their children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.”
Tuera, a senior from Tahiti majoring in business management, explained, “Through our ancestors’ traditional songs and motions, we wanted to share [our ancestors’] authentic way of life.”
Tuera continued, “My ancestors are dear to me, even the ones I have never met. I could feel our Tahitian ancestors’ gathered together during each practice, watching and cheering on us for sharing and teaching students from diverse cultures about the traditions they once created and fought hard to protect.”
Tuera said Tahiti Club portrayed and brought back to life the humble yet joyful expressions and traditions of their Tahitian forefathers for new generations. “This period truly happened when the missionaries came to Tahiti and forbade our ancestors to perform their traditional dances. For [the missionaries], the traditional dances were too alluring and provocative. Still, for our ancestors, it was the joy and happy way of life they tried to express through motions and dances,” Tuera shared.
Poevai Ienfa, a freshman from Tahiti majoring in English education, said each story should never be forgotten, nor the tears, sacrifices and joy of those who came before. Ienfa expressed as a Tahitian, it is a source of pride and joy for her to represent her home, and its history, culture and identity. “This Culture Night was related to our ancestors’ past because they are the ones who started the dances and the Tahitian culture. By representing my culture this semester, I want to encourage the next generation to maintain and preserve our Tahitian identity,” Ienfa shared.
Continuing and sharing the legacy
Alma Wilson, a freshman from Colorado majoring in visual arts, said the theme of genealogy and honoring ancestors was demonstrated not only through dances and music but also through the connections between family and generations. “When I perform, I feel honored and connected to my ancestors who have been performers at the Polynesian Cultural Center through many generations. They started the way, and I am continuing their legacy through performing and learning about different cultures,” Wilson shared.
Wilson said his favorite part of Tahiti Club is its social aspect. He explained, “The happiness and the smiles I see around me, [helps me to know] that all of us are in this together. There’s not one of us who stands above the other, but we’re all learning and growing as a family should be.”
Ienfa expressed her gratitude for the people from around the world who joined Tahiti Club this semester and wanted to learn about the Tahitian ancestral way of living. “It makes me happy to know people are interested to learn about my culture. Anyone who joined Tahiti Club will get to learn everything about our ancestors through the storytelling in each dance, gesture, step and every other detail such as smiling when performing and have fun.”
Ienfa continued, “We are the new generation, we are responsible for sharing our culture and our knowledge about story of old times with the world and our future children.”
Wilson invited people to honor their cultures by sharing with others the love they have for their ancestors. “Always remember the stories from the past. These stories made you who are you. Be proud of who you are because this is your identity,” Wilson shared.
A step back in time
Iris Zavala, a senior from Honduras majoring in elementary education, said expressing what can’t be spoken through languages can be shared through dances and motions. “The traditional Tahitian dances reminded me of my mom, who would take me to our traditional folklore dances and practices,” shared Zavala.
Zalava added the Tahitians implemented motions for words like “water” and “sand” in their dances, which reminded her of her parents who have passed away. She explained, “I remember how we would all take family trips to the beach. This is special to me because it created a connection with my family, and when I dance, I feel them watching and cheering on me.”
Falatapuita Matthes, a senior from Samoa majoring in psychology, said seeing the Tahitians performing their culture with pride reminds her of her pride in her Samoan culture.
Matthes said she admires her ancestors, saying, “My ancestors were incredibly hardworking people who enjoy working to provide for their families and those around them.”
Matthes said attending Tahiti Club practices helped her connect Samoan culture to the Tahitian culture. She shared several Tahitian club members, such as the choreographers, leaders and costume supervisors, worked tirelessly to ensure Culture Night succeeded.
While the choreographers worked hard on the music and dances, Matthes said the costume supervisors made certain everyone had their costumes ready for Culture Night. “As for the leaders, they ensured we were always fed with Tahitian food each practice. This is the Tahitians’ hard work for the people around them, and I know my ancestors were just as hard workers as they are,” explained Matthes.
Hand-in-hand with God
Tuera said becoming the president of the Tahiti Club was unplanned. He explained, “Nobody wanted to take over Tahiti Club this semester, and I understand it because this is a heavy responsibility to take.”
Tuera explained when he was told Tahiti Club would not be represented during the Culture Night this semester, Tuera refused to let that
happen and decided to accept the offer to lead Tahiti Club.
Although the unknown was terrifying, Tuera said, adding Heavenly Father in every detail, including planning and deciding who to have in the presidency, made a huge difference. “He inspired me in every possible way to know what to do, how to do it and who I can turn to for help. It has not been an easy journey to take over the presidency, but it has been rewarding.”
Tuera explained his goal was to have at least 100 students participating in Tahiti Club’s Culture Night performance. “As a final count for this semester, we have 204 dancers excited to represent the culture of my ancestors.”
Tuera expressed his love and gratitude towards all those who participated in Culture Night, including Quincy Tahiata and his fiancé, Michellae Timata, the choreographers and music leaders, Costume Supervisor Kimberley Brothers and her team and all the performers.
“I’m very proud of you guys. When I see you all on stage and at practices, I don’t want to dance anymore. I just want to watch you guys because I’m really proud you and of having you represent my culture.”