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Rota dance groups take part in festivities
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- Members of the New Boys dance group perform their contemporary dance number (Thomas A. Manglona II)
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- Members of the Dem Ladiez dance group are all smiles after their dance number. (Thomas A. Manglona II)
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- Rota dance groups and members of the Flame Tree Arts Council pose for a photo after performing their dance numbers at last weekend’s 33rd Annual Flame Tree Art’s Festival. (Thomas A. Manglona II)
Three teams from Rota brought their dancing talent to the 33rd annual Flame Tree Festival over the weekend.
According to Rota vice chair for the Arts Council Shelwyn Taisican, this is the very first time for the delegation to send three dance groups to represent the southern island.
The groups—Gilita Dancers, New Boyz, and Dem Ladiez—brought to the Saipan stage cultural and modern dance numbers.
Taisican said that Rota is a melting pot of talented youth and having them perform at such a huge event “perpetuates their art and allows them to express themselves.”
The dance groups consisted of 25 students in total.
New Boyz dancer Keanu Apatang said he was nervous at first to dance on stage in front of hundreds of residents and tourists. “I was nervous but I just used that energy to make me dance my best. I feel great and I want to come back next year and perform again.”
Eighth-grade Rota student and Gilita dancer Marnecia Hocog said that her time on the festival’s stage was “a good experience.” “I enjoyed myself on stage and I am happy that we get to showcase our talents with different dances,” she added.
Dem Ladiez dancer Mona Manglona expressed similar sentiments. She said, “It was not only a great feeling to dance on Saipan and showcase our talent but also to watch the other groups and learn from them.”
Nineteen other delegates from Rota were also at the festival showcasing their artwork. This year’s festival is considered by many as the largest cultural event in the CNMI.
