The Jewels Dine & Dance event was spectacular for many who attended the show on Friday night at the Edgewater Resort and Spa.

The cultural group that recently arrived from Aotearoa, New Zealand held an amazing performance at the resort on Friday night, embracing our Cook Islands Culture through the aspects of dance; drumming and live music.

Over 150 tickets were sold prior to the show and each person who purchased a ticket was able to witness how amazing it was.

The Jewels of the Cook Islands is led by Briannah Rorani who is the Co-founder of the performing arts team.

Jewels Dine & Dance team. 28COLLECTIVE VISUALS / 25011205 / 25011206

Rorani says, “The whole purpose of our group is to enable a safe space for trans-women, to be themselves and express their true being -whether that is through dance, singing or drumming.”

Despite a bit of technical difficulties at the start; the team continued with the show, giving the audience a performance to remember including amazing guest artists such as Cook Islands Dancer of the year 2024 Zoe Hoff and local artist Ridge Ponini came to the stage and joined in on the entertainment.

 “Because we’re always the behind the scenes girls, I think getting the right recognition where we stand in the light and claim our own limelight is good and humbling for us.

“It’s not about credit, it’s more so people know that we’re not what stereotype people think we are. We’re also very good people and we’re also human beings, and we also constantly battle equality everyday”.

“Members of the Jewels team have been part of many community works within the Cook Islands, such as referees, costume designing and social workers etc.

Musicians at the event. 28COLLECTIVE VISUALS / 25011207

“For many of the team members, dancing has been their happy space and safe space, and after a spectacular performance that night we believe that those who were there to watch and witness this show had a great evening including the performers themselves,” Rorani said.

The Jewels of the Cook Islands drummers were very instrumental on the night, for many of them, this is their first time to Rarotonga, so they are making the most of this exciting opportunity to be able to express our culture through drumming without any judgment or expectations, they said.

Jewels Dine & Dance team. 28COLLECTIVE VISUALS / 25011205 / 25011206

“Although, they are not part of the Rainbow community, many of these drummers have believed for this space to be a safe place and growing area for them as many dance groups nowadays prioritize professional drummers, so just being able to drum freely in a space where everyone is just about the same level, this has allowed them to elevate their skills and slowly make their way to the top.”
 Rorani has acknowledged Tiah Hoffman and the Edgewater Resort and Spa for being a great host, and huge help.

“To the Edgewater Executives and Jewels Execs; without you all this event wouldn’t have been possible. To the amazing costume designers and choreographers and all those who have been able to support us, we are very thankful and blessed to receive an abundance of support from each of you and thank God for this opportunity to showcase our beautiful and unique culture here in our homeland.”