LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The sounds and movements of the Hawaiian Islands filled the halls of Lima City Schools’ Liberty Arts Magnet on Tuesday as students got a hands-on lesson in island culture.
Students learned about life in the nation’s 50th state and the art behind the traditional Hawaiian dance known as the hula. Members of Pacific Paradise Entertainment, based out of Cleveland, led the interactive session, teaching students how the dance serves as a form of storytelling rooted in Polynesian culture.
By the end of the class, students were moving in rhythm and fully engaged in the experience.
Audrey Godoy, artistic director of Pacific Paradise Entertainment, said the goal is to create a positive and immersive environment for students.
"If they come in in a bad mood, they're going to come out with a great mood, because we make it so that they can enjoy every step. And it's about storytelling. So we tell them that it's a story, and so it gets in their head and oh yeah, we're doing this movement because of this. So they do have fun."
Students said they appreciated the opportunity to experience a different culture firsthand.
"My experience was great. I love doing Hula, I love doing that. I love shaking my hips. I love Hawaii. I just love Hawaii. I just love how they came to our class just to teach us their culture. I love that," said seventh grader Anayah McDonald Terrell.
Pacific Paradise Entertainment travels to schools across the state, sharing the songs, dances and cultural traditions of Polynesia with students.
