Dancing Into The Pacific with Island Breeze Manitoba
Nothing transports you to the tropics of the Pacific quite like dazzling colourful cultural attire smattered with florals, sophisticated choreography, the soothing strum of a guitar, and the steady pulse of the drum.
The good news is you don’t have to travel to experience the beautiful, diverse cultures that make up the Pacific. Island Breeze Manitoba is a local group that has been performing together since 2009, right here in the heart of Canada.
“When we started as only 4 of us, I began dancing a bit out of necessity but also because it is always something that I had wanted to do,” states Tessa Masi, co-founder of Island Breeze Manitoba. “We showcase music and dance from the Pacific Islands of Hawaii, Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti and New Zealand.”
Island Breeze Manitoba was pioneered by Tessa Masi, her husband Isi, who was born on the beautiful islands of Fiji, and another couple from New Zealand. The organization is international with a total of 16 locations around the world that are part of Youth With a Mission.
Island Breeze Manitoba joined the Folklorama family as a member to be connected to a greater cultural family who does what they do – preserves and shares their culture.
“I love sharing the dances we do because it is so rewarding to see the joy that it brings to those watching,” states Masi. “My favourite audiences are when we get to perform at schools. The kids have so much great energy and it adds more excitement to us on stage. When we perform the biggest thing we hope to impart is joy.”
More than swaying hips and elegant hand gestures, the dances performed by Island Breeze offer a deeper understanding of Pacific Island history and heritage.
“Our dances are high energy and intricately choreographed. We also have authentic, brightly coloured outfits for each of our 15 + dances that are true to the culture. Our talented band also performs many traditional and contemporary songs in different Pacific languages as well as enjoys a reggae flare.”
Most recently, Island Breeze Manitoba took the stage at the brand-new Diversity Gardens at Assiniboine Park.
“This event was such a perfect fit for us because our Island Breeze group is incredibly multi-cultural and we share the message of beauty in diversity wherever we go. We believe that diversity is what makes us stronger and that we each have unique gifts to share.”
If you would like to become a member of the Folklorama family, contact Katie Green at [email protected]