Polynesian Paradise Dancers transformed the Malibu Library into an island luau with the sound of traditional music and the quick whip of the dancers’ hips. In the spirit of island living, many children came dressed in their Hawaiian tropical grass skirts, coconut tops and leis. Children of all ages were eager to join the fun, wiggle and shake alongside the Polynesian Paradise Dancers.
This is not the first time the Polynesian Paradise Dancers have performed for the Malibu Children’s summer program.This year the group added more interaction with the children, teaching them a variety of traditional Polynesian dances, including Tahitian. Dancers showed the drum beats with the “Coconut Pineapple Smoothie Dance,” basic steps of the hula as well as making up their own poi balls to dance with.
“With hula and Tahitian dancing, we do a lot of aerobics and cardio fit, and then with the Hawaiian poi balls, it’s coordination and skills with your hands and arms. That’s how we stay fit,” dancer Christine Hom explained. “That is why we’re here today, to teach about our culture. Hawaii is just one little part of the Polynesian culture”
The Malibu Library hosts a variety of children’s events year round. Malibu’s children librarian, Lauren Katz, has been working with the children for a year and a half.
“I thought having the children learn how to hula dance and make poi balls would be a perfect activity for the summer and also fit with the summer reading program theme,” she said. “The Polynesian Paradise Dancers presented a program that was both entertaining and very interactive. I noticed the children really enjoyed being able to interact and dance with the dancers.”
Katz has had success bringing programs to the library.
“I absolutely adore the Malibu community,” Katz said. “I have felt very welcomed and supported by the families that attend the storytimes and library events. I love the sweet children who greet me and say ‘It’s the library girl!’ when I see them at their school, the Country Mart or the parks.
“I hope to bring a love of reading, of course, but really I just want to bring joy and positivity. When Malibu children become adults, I want them to have fond memories of the Malibu Library — or just any public library — and continue to share the love of reading with their children, because that’s what my dad did for me.”
These events are possible through the support of the Friends of the Malibu Library.
The next Malibu Library Children’s event is Found Object Juggling on Thursday, July 28, at 3:30 p.m. Info at: colapublib.org/libs/malibu.
