When we visited Easter Island I didn’t dream that I would be taking to the stage again, and this time as a sole guest dancer with the leading cultural dance group, the Polynesian Kari Kari.
Warning, if there is a dance group performing, don’t sit in the front row! I did, and when a hand headed my way from a rather sumptuous half-naked male professional dancer-cum-warrior with rippling pecs I didn’t have the heart to refuse. Well it would be rude to.
What I didn’t realise was that I was the only one invited and with a short introduction to the hip and arm waggling moves of the female dancers I was on my way to a five-minute performance of Easter Island cultural dance. I waggled and swerved as my partner gyrated every part of his tattooed, glistening, brown body. All rather distracting as I tried to concentrate on my important role amongst the team.
They were obviously impressed with the dancing of this on-board guest and, once my performance had finished, invited other non-suspecting soon-to-be dancing recruits to the stage, including John who too enjoyed putting his limbs to work on the dance floor.
This cultural group’s main objective is to bring back and keep alive the traditional dances and songs of their ancestors including war dances which they carried out with gusto, enthusiasm and entertainment with the women smiling throughout and the men showing us their warrior faces. It was a great evening, quite unexpected and enjoyed by all.
Needless to say, I am now part of a famous South Pacific traditional dance group. Touring starts next year!
Copyright: Words and photos Sue Barnard 2022