IMAGES OF THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
HÅFA ADAI
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Tacoma, WA, we have been dedicated since 2012 to educating the public about the Chamorro people, their traditional customs, and the concept of inafa'maolek. our regular classes and vibrant stage productions, we aim to perpetuate the rich culture of the Chamorro community with educational workshops, performances, and cultural events throughout the year. We invite you to explore our site and learn more about our mission and activities!
Må´gas Guma´
Joel Larimer
Founder/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
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.
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 recognized as a Guma’ 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.