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Bailan CHamoru

IMAHE

Må´gas Guma´ Joel Larimer

We are Imahe, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, based in Tacoma, WA. Since 2012, it has been our goal to educate the general public about the Chamorro people, the traditional customs, and inafa'maolek. Besides having regularly scheduled classes, we strive to help perpetuate the rich culture of the Chamorro people through stage productions held for the general public throughout the year, including educational workshops, performances and other cultural events. We hope that you will take a look around and learn more about us.

About Imahe

Imahe was created out of love for dance and a genuine desire to share this special love and related experiences with others. It is Imaheś mission to share and preserve the Chamorro culture through song, dance, chant, and language with the community through classes, workshops, and participatory events. It is the philosophy of Imahe and it has been proven that involvement in the performing arts - Dancing, Singing, Music can be very beneficial to the dancer in preparation for the world of tomorrow.

Our Må´gas Guma´

Joel Larimer

Founder and Instructor

Saina Joel has been teaching Bailan Chamorro and other aspects of Chamorro culture since 1996 and has been a student of the Chamorro culture all of his life. Saina Joel is the founder and instructor for Imahe and he spends his life teaching and sharing his culture through Bailan Chamorro.

Imahe is not just dancing and chanting, it is a deeper spiritual aspect which must be learned and felt by each simiya (seed refering to the student). We dance and chant to remember the history of the Chamorro people and to join the Chamorro way of celebrating life

Humble Beginnings

In March 2012, Imahe was formed as Natibu Hacha in a three car garage in Graham, WA. with 24 students. During this time, it as an all female group.

The Beginning of a Beautiful Partnership with the Asia Pacific Cultural Center

In July 2012, we outgrew the three car garage, and made a partnership with the Asia Pacific Cultural Center in South Tacoma. Since then, this has been our home. This partnership strengthens both organizations by working together to create programs for the community

Finding Our Own Image

After one year as Natibu Hacha, and wanting and image for ourselves; we were given the name Imahe. Two years later in 2015, after an intense workshop hosted by the Guam Visitors Bureau, Guam Chamorro Dance Academy, and PIPIT, we were then given the name of Guma' Imahe. Guma' Imahe has nearly grown to 100 members.

Imahe Becomes a Recognized Guma

In 2020, Imahe was established as a Guma’ recognized by the Government of Guam and I Fafa’någue Bailan CHamoru Tribal Council.

Celebrating 10 Years of Sharing the Chamorro Culture

In August 2022, Imahe celebrated it’s 10th Anniversary with a sold out recital at the Mt. Tahoma High School in Tacoma, WA.

We are very thankful to all of you who have supported us these past 10 years.