Saipan Awaodori Team impresses crowds in Guam performances

The Saipan Awaodori Team returned from several successful performances over the weekend in Guam that culminated in the 42nd Akimatsuri Japanese Autumn Festival.

Eleven members of the Japanese traditional dance troupe flew and performed in the U.S. territory—Coddie Forbes, Owen Quitugua, Jonathan Agulto, Cassidy Wabol, Vianny Mettao, Jeafanie Tibong, Leon Wabol, Gizelle Cabaobas, Marcela Heben, Julianne Mettao, and Ina Mettao, along with PDM Promoters, Inc. promoter and CEO Misako Kamata.

It marked the second time the Saipan Awaodori Team performed in the Akimatsuri Japanese Autumn Festival after the group also made the trip last year, which marked its first off-island performance after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kamata was ecstatic with the group’s performance and applauded the members for their hard work and teamwork.

“This year’s team is from 8 years old to 20 years old and were all students. They were very successful in their performances because of teamwork. I felt that they took care of each other, respected each other, and then stepped up for each other. I saw from their smiling faces Awaodori passions and I enjoyed seeing them at all nine performances in Guam.”

The Saipan Awaodori Team founder said as expected some members had the usual jitters during their first performances in Guam.

“First performance was very nervous but one by one they improved themselves. So, on the last day of our main performance at the Japanese Festival ‘Matsuri’ we made the audience enjoy our impressions very much. I really appreciate everybody who made this happen and I am proud of my team,” said Kamata.

Quitugua, a 16-year-old Awaodori drummer from Marianas High School, said he thoroughly enjoyed their performances in Guam.

“This is my first trip as an Awaodori performer. I enjoyed my experience in Guam. I learned things that I can do that I thought I couldn’t like time management. During our performances, everyone was tired but no one gave up until the very end.”

His sentiments were echoed by 17-year-old MHS student and Awaodori dancer Jeafanie Tibong.

“My experience in Guam especially with the crowd made me learn not to be shy. Having back-to-back performances was difficult but I made sure I don’t look tired. My experience in Guam also helped me overcome the tension of interacting with the audience. My most memorable moment was most likely interacting with the kids while I was performing and seeing their faces like they’re saying ‘wow I’ve never seen anything like this before’ which was my motivation to perform well for them and feel confident in my dancing.”

Marcela Heben, a 16-year-old Awaodori dancer from Saipan Southern High School, congratulated her fellow Saipan Awaodori Team members for soldiering on despite the tight schedule of performances.

“The schedule was hectic but it was fun having to perform in different places for many different people as well. The energy was heartwarming. My most memorable experience was when we would go near the audiences and seeing their smiles up close. It was very much enjoyable.”

For Vianny Metttao, the entire trip to Guam was an unforgettable experience.

“It was fun and exciting to perform in Guam once again. It was my third time performing there. It’s always an honor to have the opportunity to represent the CNMI,” said the 17-year-old Awaodori dancer and drummer from SSHS.