Students of Marist Brothers High School danced their way to four awards at the Fiji Link Dance Competition last Saturday night.

In doing so, the boys from Flagstaff, Suva, triumphed over 14 other schools and took out the top award (Best Dance Group).

MBHS choreographer Katalina Fotofili said the school had been participating for a number of years, but usually came away without much success.

“Many people were stereotyping these boys on the way they were dancing and the type of dance they were doing because some say dancing is for girls,” she said.

“I came in this year because I wanted them to make a statement that this is their fight, despite what others say, and knowing that they have a place to belong and to keep fighting on.”

Ms Fotofili said preparations and practice were not easy because team members had to juggle studies and find time for dance practice.

“I wanted the boys to know that no matter what, if you believe in something then you have to keep fighting for it,” she said.

“Most of these dancers here wanted to give up, but because they loved dancing, they kept fighting and it has paid off.”

Fiji Link Kula Dance competition winners Marist Brothers High School . Photo: Simione Haravanua

Seremaia Dari was a proud MBHS team captain after the awards.

“It is just a wonderful feeling and we give back the glory and honour to God,” he said.

“We have been trying for years and we couldn’t have done this without the support of our families, friends and the Old Boys Association and everyone else who believed in us.”

The school won the Best Male Dancer, Best Male Dancer Runner Up, Best Choreography Award and Best Dance Group.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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