Punanga Nui Market, Cook Islands

The Punanga Nui Market in Avarua, Rarotonga’s main town, offers free entertainment, fresh food stalls, organic coffee, and authentic souvenirs like pearls, artwork, crafts and hats made of coconut fronds.

We were lucky enough to be invited to showcase our dance, music and animation to the local people of Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Upon our visit here, we were introduced to traditional art forms and a modern perspective on dance and music that embody the islands’ stories, values, and way of life. This marked a distinct contrast to our experiences in Melbourne, which offered an enriching cultural exchange through different art forms.

Credits

Animators: Korbin Munn, Sophie Deka, Suniva Miller, William Beatie

Dancers and Choreography: Flynn Dakis, Grace Galimberti Espinoza, Leyla Boz, Mia Canton, Rikia Bell, Sarah Ceraso, Toni Stathopoulos

Interactive Composition: Amalija Kostich Angerson, Ella Dawson, Finn Inkster, John Sharp, Kaylah Thomas, Lachlan Black, Morgan May, Nic Dullow, Oscar Lush, Rachael Hobbs, Sadie Mustow, Sasha Kaiser

Date: 20th October 2024

Location: Punanga Nui Market, Ara Tapu, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Photos by Anna Smith