Mana Polynesia performing in Italy (YouTube)
A true Polynesian performance creates a connection between dancers and audience members.
So say members of Mana Polynesia, a traditional and contemporary South Pacific dance and musical ensemble on their Facebook page.
Named “Mana,” which means “the spirit of Polynesia,” the group will offer an exciting repertoire of dances from Hawaii and other islands of the Polynesian triangle — including Tonga, Tahiti, Fiji and the Samoas — on Saturday, Oct. 7.
The event will start at 7 p.m. in the Corey Union Function Room.
Presented by the College’s Campus Artist and Lecture Series (CALS), admission to the concert is free for all students and pre-kindergarten age children. General admission is $10 with a senior citizen discount price of $8. Tickets may be obtained at Corey Union, Room 406 or at the door one hour prior to the performance.
Chief Koko Aiolupotea and Mana Polynesia perform Polynesian music and dance as a cultural expression. Their performances teach the audience about the culture, history and traditions of the islands of the Pacific Rim.
Performances by the group have included the Samoan fire knife, coconut demonstration, Maori fire poi balls, dance lessons, lei greeting, island serenaders, Polynesian tattoos (temporary), and traditional weapons display and demonstration.
Mana Polynesia has appeared at the Polynesian Culture Center, Hawaii’s No. 1 paid tourist attraction. Distinguished previous clients include The World Bank, the Pentagon, United Airlines and various universities.
The event is supported by the Auxiliary Services Corporation and the Cortland College Foundation. For more information, visit Mana Polynesia or CALS online.
This article was prepared by SUNY Cortland Communications Office writing intern Navita Ramprasad.
