Tereora College is prepared to take the stage for the Schools Culture Festival night, held this Wednesday and Thursday at the National Auditorium.

Year 11 to 13 students held rehearsals at the National Auditorium last Thursday, practicing their kapa rima and ura pau performances for Thursday night.

Over 50 participants, including teachers, passionately showcased their culture through slow traditional dancing and singing, preparing their school for the festival night.

As teachers properly positioned their dancers, Lotiola Mateariki, choreographer and Maori teacher, encouraged their students to keep up the energy and show a positive attitude while gracefully dancing, to prepare them for the big night.

Year 13 student, Matara Tairi, who is representing Tereora for the school festival, was overwhelmed with the energy showed by other participants as well as her teachers.

The vibrant and lively singing gave the dancer the desire and energy to perform with courage and confidence.

“I am very proud to be dancing for Tereora College for the second time at the school’s festival, I love my culture and I am very passionate about it, especially when it comes to traditional dancing,” Tairi said.

“I am grateful to have my last year at this school performing at the school’s festival, as it is a big event for all schools in Rarotonga.”

Despite the exhaustion from extensive dance and singing rehearsals, Tairi and the other performers are confident and well-prepared, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to showcase their Cook Islands identity.

For over 20 years, schools around Rarotonga have participated in this cultural event to give students the opportunity to experience, learn and showcase their culture through cultural performances such as the kapa rima, ura pau, ute and pe’e.

The event will feature food vendors selling local delicacies and beverages.

Tickets for the event have started selling at the schools. For adults, tickets will be $10 and for children $5.