Water is Rising: Music and Dance Amid Climate Change

Performance and purpose collide in this performance that illuminates the plight of the Pacific Islands. Scientists report the vulnerable coral atolls of Kiribati Tokelau and Tuvalu are already experiencing rising sea levels as result of global warming and climate change. Thirty-six dancers and musicians express their deep connection to nature and their ancestral past through multi-part harmonies, poetry, and gracious movement cascading over dynamic rhythms inspiring us all to be better stewards of our shared planet. Water is Rising harnesses the power of performance art in an impassioned plea for global awareness and social change. Series: "World Festival of Sacred Music" [12/2011] [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 22792]

[@JudyMitoma]

In remembering this evening I will never forget the courage and commitment each person had as they brought their songs and dances to royce Hall UCLA. The issues of climate change are ever more pressing, our hearts go to our brothers and sisters, our children, our elders of Kiribati, Tokelau, and Tuvalu. May the world do the right thing so that you may continue to live in peace on your islands. I miss you all- and thank you for all that you did to help us Americans understand what is at stake.

[@nebulanesian369]

Mauri, Talofa and Aloha atu ni from Hawaii! As a descendant of all 3 islands, I am overwhelmed with joy to see such an amazing showcase of the land of my ancestors. Such beauty and grace :) Ko rab'a, fakafetai and tofa ni to you all! God bless! 🤙🏽

[@umeavaeta1039]

God bless the pacific islands

[@typicalcoconut2760]

Seeing this makes me proud of the way these guys presented themselves and represented us. Although i'm from Tuvalu, I love the uniqueness of all these cultures. Despite the affects of the climate changes, the cultures would mean less without its mother land.
It would be so sad if all our beautiful cultures were to belong to a lost land under water. Very sad

[@samoalajackson4345]

We are the people from the Reef and no matter if the Reef disappears underneath our feet but our culture survive because we are resilient survivors.

[@maaria.tekabuwardrop6660]

Well done performers from Kiribati, Tuvalu and Tokelau. You send out the message to the whole world and hope they do the right thing by you as small islands in the pacific. May God bless you all.

[@rripocean]

thanks UCLA for showcasing the cultures that are being negatively affectetd by threats of climate change and sea level rise; soon these cultures wont have the very lands which they depend on to provide the foudnation to tell their stories due to sea level rise gradually sinking the islands....Fakafetai, Ko Rabwa and Fakahetai lahi

[@mariemaddison2087]

Hey, I learned this Kiribati dance when I was around 8 years old. Good to hear it after over 5 decades later...

[@kat120468sm2]

keep up the fight guys and be proud of who you are. great to share with you the beauty of your unique cultures.

[@eriatariteieri]

miss my island home,VERY NICE Performance

[@sapetafaato4756]

God Be With Tuvalu 4 Eva

[@faanengaaw7357]

Proud to be a Pacific islander❤️

[@StanislawHalasa684]

Very nice

[@lovemusic20ification]

WOW.... beautiful

[@nurarihion]

Mahalo Nui Loa

[@boto5959]

Miss my island home

[@restaelise7909]

Tuvalu mo te Atua

[@nurarihion]

they are the ones asking for help today, who no one knows who will ask for it in the future, so beware your words, because you'll have to affront them someday in some way

[@kiribetio123]

Mauri to you all

[@lawrencehakiwai]

When they go back to the UCLA next time, they could do synchronised swiming.

[@sandyprimus9831]

not funny, climate change is real. its global.

[@1000Mafitu]

Fakafetai lasi mote ata gali kii loa tenei.

[@typicalcoconut2760]

Is that a joke? or you tryna be funny