​Cultural Center Partners Perform at West Lake Junior High

Contributed by Susan Klinker

Ailene Lao attended West Lake Junior High some 40 years ago.  Last week, she told students she was thrilled to see the school celebrating the diversity of the student body by highlighting talents in the music and dance of their heritage.  Today Ailine leads a performance group called Ailine’s Touch of Polynesia.  They are a valued member of the Utah Cultural Celebration Center Partners Program. That means they get to hold their weekly practices in the center’s dance studio in exchange for performances throughout the year.

The UCCC was proud to partner with West Lake to present multicultural dances from across Polynesia as part of the school’s annual cultural assembly. As the emcee for her group performances Ailine shared funny stories and insights about Polynesian culture and the meaning of the movements in the dances.  The audience of nearly 1100 students showed their appreciation and enthusiasm with roaring applause.  Check out a clip of their performance HERE.

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