It is possible that you have seen them dancing at an event of two around town. Since 1981, the Pacific Islanders have been dancing and chanting their ways across the Coastal Bend.
Passed down from mother to daughter, Susan Strong is the current instructor of the Pacific Islanders. She says every dance tells a story.
“It is different because, like with the hands, it does mean something,” Strong said. “You’re not just shaking your hands around, it’s telling a story.”
They are stories that tell the ancient history of the culture. Through dance, they express the stories and invite onlookers into their “ohana,” or family.
“Everybody is family,” Strong said.
The Pacific Islanders perform at events, birthdays and any luau’s using different forms of Polynesian dances such as, hula, Tahitian, Maori and Maori Poi Ball twirling.
The Pacific Islanders also have ukele singing and dancing and enjoy using the drum sets during their shows.
Currently there are no adult classes, but they do hold “keiki” or kid classes.
For more information, visit their website here or call 361-853-6810.
Another popular Polynesian dance group, is the Aloha Luaus, you can contact them on their Facebook Page
