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Hula dance lessons at the Hyatt beach
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Posted on Nov 07 2022
Tanya Salas is a local handicraft and dance performing artist of Polynesian and Micronesian descent residing on the beautiful island of Saipan. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Picture an afternoon of white sand, palm trees, island songs and this image won’t be complete without hula dancing. Hyatt Regency Saipan, in cooperation with island ladies Leanna Borja, Stephanie Borja, and Tanya Salas, is bringing hula dance lessons to the Hyatt beach for two Saturdays from 3pm to 4:30pm.
The hula dancing lessons are open to in-house guests and local residents for $25 and comes with a welcome drink and 50% off for children 6 to 12 years of age. Open for beginners and any level of hula dance know-how.
The Borja sisters will lead on Nov. 12, 2022 while Salas will be on deck on Nov. 19, 2022. Leanna and Stephanie come from generations of Polynesian and CHamoru dancers—the award-winning cultural dance group Guma’ Taga Cultural Dancers from Tinian that perform at local events and at hotel dinner shows.
Leanna is the president of a newly established nonprofit organization called I Nåpu. The goal is to envision, revive, and instill the unique traditions of the CHamoru culture and its indigenous people to sustain our way of life. They hope to share the beauty of the CHamoru culture through the art of song, dance, chant, and storytelling.
Salas is a local handicraft and dance performing artist of Polynesian and Micronesian descent residing on the beautiful island of Saipan. Hailing from generations of Micro-Poly artists and dancers before her, Tanya proudly represents her heritage via her business, Tahine’s Creations, through which she actively promotes the practice of island cultural arts in various forms.
Leanna Borja and Stephanie Borja come from generations of Polynesian and CHamoru dancers—the award-winning cultural dance group Guma’ Taga Cultural Dancers from Tinian. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Salas said that passion led her to become a certified instructor in the world-renowned Hot Hula Fitness brand in 2017. “Dancing isn’t just in my roots and my blood, it’s in my very soul. It is part of who I am,” Salas said. She calls on the members of the public, of all ages, most especially our Famalåo’an (women and girls) to join these events.
To reserve a spot, call (670) 234-1234 local 5811 or send a message on Hyatt Regency Saipan’s Facebook or Instagram accounts.
Hyatt Regency Saipan was established in the CNMI in 1981 and is the first international hotel in the CNMI. (Hyatt Regency Saipan)
