Filipino-American Anthony Manaois, director of Te Ōrama, the Polynesian Youth Dance Company of Westlake School for the Performing speaks about the upcoming performance at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Anthony has lead the group to standing ovation performances in Scotland in 2007 and China in 2008, and hopes to bring the group to Tahiti this summer.
“This years 2009 Urban Paradise Program features dances from the Polynesian Islands of Hawaii and Tahiti. Growing up the son of a Kumu Hula, I was taught the dances of Hawaii known as the Hula. The ancient dances known as the Hula Kahiko remain to our family ‘sacred’ as this dance type was passed down to us from generations before. The Hula Kahiko section for this year’s Urban Paradise will feature dances honoring the Chiefs, Kings, and Queens of Old Hawaii and will feature the entire cast of Te Ōrama. I am excited for the group because it is the first time that we are featuring such a large cast (68 dancers).”
“The more familiar Hula style known as the Hula Auana accompanied by Guitar, Ukulele and Voice, speak of special and unique places of Hawaii, like the beautiful natural pool – Alekoki on the island of Oahu. The arm movements and words emote the beauty of a remote valley of Wailau on the island of Molokai. The dances celebrate the wind as its voice, the sea - it’s heart, and the land as it’s whole being. Also included is a dance that speaks of “Waianae“ on the island of Oahu. It is the place where my family is from and where I was ordained as a Kumu Hula in a ritual known as Hiuwai.”
“Although I graduated as Kumu Hula and was given the permission to teach HULA, I have always had a strong passion for the Tahitian Dance known as the ORI. The Tahitian dances for this years Program are special to me. In the early 90’s my family and I produced a series of pieces for our group OTEA API. These dances were featured in the San Jose Tahiti Fete. These pieces went on to be award winning dances and music for our group. I am honored to be able to share some of these songs and dances with the students of Te Ōrama. One of the pieces include a tribute to my family’s ‘aumakua’ (family protector ) - the Honu ( sea turtle ). I am looking forward to presenting this piece this year for it will feature the entire cast of Te Orama as well.”
”The costumes for this years program have been carefully chosen to best represent each and every one of the dances. The Hula Pa’u is the proper attire for the Hula Kahiko. The colors represent the earth , while the green adornments give praise to nature. The Tahitian costumes are carefully hand-crafted from the hands of Tahitian Artisans (my wife – Nathalie Teura Manaois ) and use natural materials of the islands that come from the Coconut Tree, The Pandanus Tree, and Mother of Pearl shells from the ocean. All of which help the dancer stay in touch and close to Nature.”
”Through the three years that I have been teaching in WSPA and directing these young dancers, I feel they have shown a lot of growth and new found respect for the dance of Polynesia. They have come to understand not only the dance and music, but the interpretation of words to the music and to the dance. It something that is often misunderstood, but when understood, opens up a whole other world. This understanding in itself helps to transcend a dancer to portray the words, music and dance to an audience.”
”Special Mahalo to my sister KUMU KATRINA for sharing her talents with the students. Special Mauruuru to my wife NATHALIE TEURA and her mother TUREREURA for designing and making the Tahitian Costumes. And a special Thank you to all of the students and parents of TE ORAMA for embracing the Polynesian Culture. Most especially, a special thank you to the school directors Paul and Malu Peoples for opening the doors of WSPA and providing the students and the community it serves a chance to appreciate and learn the Polynesian culture.”
Mauruuru roa!!! - KUMU ANTHONY
Urban Paradise will be at the Palace of Fine Arts on March 7 and 8. March 7, Saturday, at 7PM will be an all-Hip Hop Showcase featuring WSPA’s The Company and APT, plus a stellar list of dance crews from Northern and Southern California: Alan Agorilla, Triple Threat, CADC, UFO Movement, Press Play, Sheroes, SGBM, Gen II, Mind Over Matter, Damian “DMOE” Gomez, and Phoenix Dance Company. Programme II is the Polynesian and Hip Hop Showcase on March 8, at 6PM. Tickets can be bought by calling (650) 757-1244, or visit the WSPA office on 200 Northgate Ave., Daly City, CA 94015. $25.00, Reserved Seats.
