Dance Fest

Saturday morning on Tarawa, Elder and Sister Waldron picked us up at our hotel and we drove to the maneaba (local cultural center) located behind the church and in front of the Waldron's apartment.  The Tarawa West Stake held a dance fest celebrating the anniversary of the stake division.  (The next Saturday the other stake will celebrate the division in like manner.)  Each ward presented a dance performance which they were judged on.  It reminded us of past roadshows held in North America, complete with competition and judges.  As the program began the stake auxiliary women leaders danced and then presented each of us with a flowered crown.  Each ward had a wooden drum which they gathered around and sang while other ward members presented a well choreographed dance.  They had rhythm leaders who kept time and encouraged participants as they sang and drummed.  The costumes were beautiful. Everyone appeared to enjoy themselves greatly.

After all the wards had performed, the dancers came over and invited the people watching to dance. If people liked your dancing, they would compliment you by spraying perfume on your clothes.  Gary reeked of perfume the rest of the day.  The young missionaries really got into the dancing and we even had a performance by the first counselor in the stake presidency.

After all the dancing was over a big buffet lunch was served.  This entire activity lasted about 4 hours.  The attendance was great.  The missionaries felt this was a wonderful activity, especially for the less active members.  Everyone had a good time.

"Praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing."  Doctrine and Covenants 136: 28.