Polynesian culture is one of the lesser-known aspects of Carlmont High School. However, with Heritage Fair scheduled to occur in the coming weeks, the Polynesian Club can use the event as an opportunity to express their culture and pride.
Heritage Fair is a chance for students of different backgrounds to show others what they are proud of.
David Heck, the advisor of Polynesian Club, said, “Heritage Fair is important for club members to share the culture, traditions, and diversity of Polynesia. It is a very educational tool to help bridge understanding and knowledge of other cultures. The club is also a place where students can be comfortable to meet others who share the same traditions and values.”
To the clubs and members involved, Heritage Fair is more than just a celebration. They practice weekly to perfect the dances that represent their culture, their background, and their lives.
The Polynesian Club will be performing two dances. The females of the group will be performing the “Taualuga,” which is a traditional Samoan dance. It is considered the apex of Samoan performance art forms and the centerpiece of the culture of Samoa.
Meanwhile, the males of the group will be performing a “Haka.” It is traditionally a war dance performed by warriors before battle, proclaiming their strength and prowess in order to intimidate the opposition.
“Poly Club, or Aloha Club, is preparing the ‘Haka,’ celebrating the tradition of Polynesia and all the Islanders together,” said Devon Sagon, a senior and male member who will be performing. “To me, this club is a place where the Islanders, Filipinos, and others are all united as a family. We get to show other people who we are and in return, we also get to learn about other cultures.”
The members of Polynesian Club also believe it is important to have costumes and music along with the dances.
The club practices Tuesdays and Thursdays weekly in the Stogner gym. They can be seen practicing these dances with intense shouting and aggressive motions to imitate how some of the dances were performed by warriors.
“Heritage fair is very important to the club because it gives the club something to work for and to maintain our heritage and culture. It’s also a chance for us to come together and achieve our main goal of representing who and what we are,” said Lauenita Vacea, a senior.
