Day One
Our exhilarating journey began at the vibrant DANZA studio, where we attended an inspiring class led by the dynamic curriculum leader Katie Burton. Watching the students passionately work on their own choreography was a highlight of our trip, showcasing their creative brilliance. We even had the delightful surprise of running into SHGC alumni Amellia Monsma. Next, we visited the welcoming Wellesley Dance Studios, where the gracious Aruna Po-Ching warmly greeted us and led us in an engaging Hawaiian Hula class.
Day Two
We spent our day with the renowned choreographer and dancer Tupua Tigafua, a Sāmoan choreographer and dancer who masterfully reworked one of his recent pieces with our aakonga. His expertise and artistry profoundly impacted our dancers, enriching their understanding of dance. After a refreshing break and lunch, we returned for another captivating session with Aruna, finishing the day with a Mexican dinner out and Gelato.
Day Three
Fatigue and sore muscles began to set in after two intense days of dancing from 9am to 5:30pm. We started the day with an electrifying hip-hop class from the energetic tutor Alex Page, who taught us about hip-hop’s rich culture and history. She shared her stories and experiences of being a member of the Royal Family Dance Crew for five years. On the journey back to Kirikiriroa, Miss Arnold (Head of Dance at SHGC) enjoyed a quiet drive as all ten dancers slept soundly the entire way home.
This incredible experience left our aakonga inspired and determined to finish the term strong.
A heartfelt thank you to First Credit Union for their generous support!