Angelina Zhao

With the past few years following the pandemic, Ayala’s Polynesian Club has had less members, decreasing its membership by about 50%. Although still determined to practice their luau dance, the club’s practices consist of about five or six members. “I think my officers are willing to make the changes and adjustments that are necessary to make the club successful again,” club advisor Mrs. Mariana Jolly said.

Ayala’s Polynesian Club highlights the warm breezes on the island, the lively luaus with captivating dances, it’s all around rich culture, and the bond that is created within it. 

For many people at Ayala, Polynesian Club has been their way of expressing themselves and their culture.

“My dad’s side of the family is from [the Polynesian Islands] and I don’t get to see them often. So I found [this club] as a way to connect with that side of my family,” Polynesian club Co-President Samantha Ramones (11) said.

Like many clubs on Ayala’s campus, Polynesian Club strives to embrace their culture and connect students through luaus and dances that enrich the essence of the Polynesian culture. This club was made for everyone, whether someone grew up in the culture or is learning about it for the first time with no prior connections.

“I grew up doing Polynesian dancing, so it’s been a big part of my life,” Poly Club’s advisor Mrs. Mariana Jolly said. “When Mr. Higgins, the former adviser, asked me if I wanted to take over, I was really happy because I could jump back into sharing what I’ve learned with the club as well as learning more about the Polynesian culture.”

However, the pandemic was a whirlwind that left the club enduring challenges in its wake. Among most clubs post-pandemic, Polynesian Club has experienced a decline of membership and outreach which has negatively impacted the spirit of the club. 

“Our membership has definitely taken a hit as far as our club is concerned and we haven’t been able to have a luau like we’ve had in the past just because membership is so low,” Jolly said.

The pandemic not only affected the club’s thriving membership, but also students and individuals themselves.

“Through the pandemic, a lot of people closed themselves in their own shell again,” Polynesian club UCC Representative and Secretary Vian Valenzuela (12) said. “[After] a year or two of being isolated, people didn’t really open up with other people, so I think they just aren’t willing to take that risk again.”

But as Polynesian Club hit its lowest partisanship during the pandemic, they are actively trying to rebuild their club to help its upcoming success. The club members are trying to outreach to other individuals such as the dance teacher, Mrs. Christina Hofstetter, for more opportunities to dance, hold luaus, and share the rich Polynesian culture.

“We’re trying to do more outreach performances within the community so that we’re still dancing and sharing what we know about the Polynesian culture, but just not in the traditional Ayala Polynesian Club way,” Jolly said.

Polynesian Club isn’t exclusive to those of the culture, but those also open to trying new things and learning new cultures. With its recent growth, students of Ayala will find it a new experience to try the Polynesian dance and learn its culture.

“Just give it a try and be open to learning,” Ramones said. “[Whether] learning a new dance or learning a new culture, just see it as an opportunity to learn a new type of dance.”