Divas out and about
GlamBoy director and
RRV1's coordinator, Jay Tewake, works out ahead of the performance
A troupe of
fa'afafine* dancers shows Manukau folk its style, writes Sharu Delilkan.
Hot on the
well-turned heels of performing at the Aroha Festival, the South Side Divas are
all set to do it again with even more gusto at RRV1.
RRV1 or Ruamoko
Rangatahi Volume 1 is a one-off, electro-pop, R&B and funk, Matariki pop
art show featuring The Geeks with Erakah, Meryl Cassie and ReQuest.
It's a big
opportunity says the group's leader, David Pese. "We
formed our group at De La Salle College about three to four years ago
because we love to dance. It's so great to be given the recognition for what we
love to do."
Formerly known as
Divas of La Salle, the group also includes 17-year-olds Robert Lafaou Lusa and
Alfred Skelton. They formed the group because they thought it was important for
Manukau's "south side" to know about its growing fa'afafine
population.
"It has been a
great, safe environment for us to come out in the community without being
scared,"
The 17-year-old
from Manurewa says joining South Side Divas has been great for him.
"The group
encouraged me to come out slowly. I came out to my parents only two years
ago. And they're absolutely fine with it."
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GlamBoy director and the show's coordinator, Jay Tewake,
says the best way to describe the troupe's performance is that "their
style is very expressive. It's something unique that you can't put a genuine
sticker on. For many, it will be like something you've never seen before."
* Fa'afafine
(fa-afa-fee-nay): Samoan for "like a woman''; transvestite. Source:
Samoa: A-Z Visitors Guide
RRV1,
Metro Theatre, 362 Massey Rd, Mangere East, July 9, 6-8pm. Tickets: Custom
Teez, ph 263 7956 or see www.customteez.co.nz