Dear Editor,

Let Us Preserve Our Traditional Dancing

Traditional dancing is more than just entertainment. It is part of who we are as I-Kiribati people—a connection to our ancestors, our history and our cultural identity.

I am writing to raise a concern about the way some of our traditional dances are being performed today. While our culture continues to evolve, we must ask ourselves: how much of our traditional way are we willing to lose in the name of change?

Our elders have passed down traditional dancing through generations, teaching young people not only the movements but also the meaning and importance behind them. However, I have noticed that some traditional dances are no longer being performed in the traditional way.

For example, traditional music and singing, known as te anaa, are increasingly being replaced by speakers, or katangitang. Perhaps speakers are used because they are more convenient or considered more entertaining. However, if we continue replacing our traditional practices with modern alternatives, what will happen to the cultural traditions that make our dances uniquely Kiribati?

From what I have seen, Te Waa Mai Kiribati is one of the few groups in Tarawa that continues to perform traditional dances in a way that respects our cultural practices. The group is often invited to perform at government and other events, where its performances are enjoyed by visitors, including foreigners. This shows that authentic traditional Kiribati dancing still has value and can proudly showcase our unique cultural heritage to the world.

Foreigners and visitors would be more interested in watching authentic traditional Kiribati dances accompanied by traditional music and singing than performances featuring very loud music played through speakers. In my opinion, the latter is neither interesting nor entertaining. Visitors come to experience something new and unique to them. Speakers are nothing new to them, but genuine Kiribati dancing, music and singing are part of our unique cultural heritage that they would love to see and experience.

Preserving our traditional dancing should not be the responsibility of dancers alone. Our elders, parents, schools, community leaders and government should work together to protect these traditions and pass them on to future generations.

Our elders possess valuable knowledge that cannot simply be replaced. They can teach young people the correct dance movements, traditional clothing, music and, most importantly, the meaning behind each performance.

Our leaders should also listen to the community and support cultural activities that give young people opportunities to learn, practise and appreciate traditional dancing.

We can welcome new ideas and modern ways of doing things, but we should never allow them to completely replace the traditions that define us as I-Kiribati people.

We have a responsibility to ensure that our children and grandchildren can experience, understand and carry on the same cultural traditions that were passed down to us by our ancestors.

So, I leave readers with one simple question: Why do we choose to use katangitang (speakers) for traditional dancing when we still have te anaa, our traditional way of providing music and singing for our dances?

Let us embrace the future, but let us never forget where we came from.

Sincerely,

Marieta Titiba
Teaoraereke