From Tahiti to Las Vegas: Dance school preserves culture across generations
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The island culture runs deep in Las Vegas. For many within the Asian American and Pacific Islander neighborhood, it is necessary to maintain traditions alive.
At Pupu Ori Te Naticompletely different generations are studying the artwork and that means of Tahitian dance. “Te Nati” interprets to “the link” of previous, neighborhood, and id.
“We have so many hand movements,” Caseylynn Silang instructed 8 News Now. “You can pick your flower, you can smell your flower.”
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Silang’s college students name her “Ate,” a time period of respect within the Philippines which means huge sister.
“I’ve grown up with these kids,” Silang mentioned.
Silang began as a pupil at Pupu Ori Te Nati and is now main the following technology of Tahitian dancers as a instructor.
The island culture runs deep in Las Vegas. For many within the Asian American and Pacific Islander neighborhood, it is necessary to maintain traditions alive. (KLAS)
The island culture runs deep in Las Vegas. For many within the Asian American and Pacific Islander neighborhood, it is necessary to maintain traditions alive. (KLAS)
The island culture runs deep in Las Vegas. For many within the Asian American and Pacific Islander neighborhood, it is necessary to maintain traditions alive. (KLAS)
“A lot of my students, they’ve been here since I moved here, so 18 years,” Julie Manea Charles mentioned. “I just love the family dynamic.”
Charles, the founding father of Pupu Ori Te Nati, was born and raised in Tahiti. She got here to Las Vegas to train courses and ended up beginning a household and founding the dance school.
“It’s crazy, I would’ve never thought about my small island, when I grew up, that I would end up in Las Vegas,” Charles mentioned.
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The studio holds courses for varied ages and has stay musicians. Charles’ college students name her “Auntie Julie.”
“I just want to bring the real culture and teach them language, drumming,” she mentioned. “It’s a safe place for everyone.”
“I’m so grateful to Auntie Julie because she brings a piece of her home to Las Vegas,” Silang mentioned. “It’s so special.”
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