Dance has long been a Southwestern College strength and bastion of ballet, modern, tap, jazz, hip-hop, Latin and ballroom classes. Now the Polynesian Dance Club is shimmying into the scene.

Jade Xiella Angeles, 19, said she wanted to learn Polynesian dance, but discovered that SWC did not offer it as a course. She said she heard that Vanessa Gomez had started a new club. Angeles became its first president. Joanna Tanguileg, 20, took over this year and has worked hard to expand the club.

“I was nervous and scared,” she said. “I thought it was cool to be the president because in high school I was the president of the Pilipino dance club and I know the responsibilities.”

Tanguileg said to be part of the club means a lot to her because she is part Chamorro and part Pilipino.

“I’ve met a Chamorro, a Hawaiian and other Islanders in the club,” she said. “I get to learn the history beyond the Polynesian culture. This club makes me feel at home.”

Polynesian dance is about pride and tradition, said club member Leslie Oropeza, 22. Oropeza said she has been dancing for three years and has been a Polynesian Dance Club member for two semesters. Polynesian culture and the rhythm of the songs is what interested her and enticed her to join, she said.

“I did belly dancing when I was 13, but at the time I felt really self-conscious and embarrassed to move my hips,” said Oropeza. “Now I enjoy moving my hips. I found the similarity between belly dancing and Polynesian and was more encouraged to join. The hips move through the sound of the drums. The faster the drums roll, the faster the hips move.”

Polynesian dance incorporates hula and Tahitian dancing movements, said Angeles.

“Hula dance tells a story through the hands,” she said. “Tahitian dance tells a story through the hips.  Polynesian dance uses all forms of arms and hands movement to express communication.”

Tanguileg said Polynesian dance has a history.  Many of the dances of Polynesian are inspired by nature or religion. SWC’s Polynesian Club teaches and practices Tahitian dancing which originates from French Polynesia, said Angeles and also features Hawaiian Hula.