Irensia Dance Troupe

Minagof Ha’ånen Man Nå’i Gråcias! Bula guinaiya para todus hamyu!Minagof Ha’ånen Man Nå’i Gråcias! Bula guinaiya para todus hamyu!

John Fejeran was a tireless and passionate supporter of the PIFA Cultural Village as well as other events in the community over the years. He will forever be m...issed. His daughter Natasha helped hime with an artcile about his work and published in the 2020 PIFA Program Book: I was just 12 years old when my dad asked me to create labels for woven birds that were sitting on our kitchen table. I didn’t know what the labels were for but I was having fun listening to all the stories about the artifacts that my dad brought out of each bin. There was so much pride in his smile as he shared stories and the history of each delicate piece that he handled with so much care. I remember long hours of sorting, carefully wrapping, and organizing artifacts and art pieces. My favorite times were when my dad would pop in a VHS karaoke video of Chamorro hits. My siblings and I especially loved Triste Yu. In 1995, my dad, John Fejeran Sr, established The Foundation for Chamorro Arts, Crafts, Artifacts, and Education. For the past 25 years, my dad and his siblings have gathered together as they prepared to share their love of the culture with the San Diego community. What that meant for us kids, was that we were going to be able to spend hours upon hours together as cousins, and feast on red rice, kelaguen, kadon pika, ribs, and finadene as artifacts were prepped, and stories were shared. We started off with a 10’x10’ booth. That booth quickly evolved to an annual 20’x40’ canopy that we filled to the brim with all things Chamorro. PIFA has been both a blessing and a burden. Our family has spent hours planning the display to authentically, and respectfully represent our culture.. Planning typically starts about six weeks before PIFA, hauling bin after bin from the storage to my dad’s garage. The family gathers to touch up and repair any artifacts and spruce up the aesthetics on the large model Guma’. My dad complains a lot about the tasks and list of to-do’s, but I know it’s also secretly therapeutic to him. :) Family is invited over for brunch, again some delicious, bomb food as we sign up for our shifts to occupy the booth. My dad has it down to a science. The Wednesday prior to PIFA, we set up our space in the exhibition and education section at Ski Beach. Family gathers to load up the U-Haul on Thursday night and Friday morning we arrive at 8:00 in the morning with Jack-in-the-Box sandwiches and coffee as we mentally prep for the task ahead. Some of us even call in sick to work just so we can be there to set up the display. :) Every year we also get a surprise visit from one of my dad’s siblings that live in Guam and Washington. I just love seeing my dad and his 7 siblings all together. PIFA is our annual reunion with so many of our pacific islander brothers and sisters. My dad’s booth is a central location, that is filled with people smiling and reminiscing as they share their own personal stories and relationship to the art and artifacts. PIFA is an annual event that literally almost gives my dad a heart attack, but to him is always so worth it. Another favorite memory was watching my dad be acknowledged on stage. Holding his tuñas, and confident in knowing he made his parents proud through his continued representation of his family and our culture. I felt so privileged to look up and just admire my Dad. The best part about PIFA, is wrapping up. Haha! Tearing everything down, and having a celebratory styrofoam cup full of hot corn chowder with everyone as we admire the empty space that was hours before filled with artifacts, people, and memorable moments. Before we depart, we end the day with a group photo, and hearts filled with thanks to God that we were able to celebrate and share our culture together one more year. Dad was just 10 years old when he left Guam. He yearned so deeply to fill the void of home for himself. I love knowing that he is truly living out his life’s calling and purpose. Here’s a little something from him: I missed the life on the island and experiencing Chamorro culture, language, songs and dance. The Chamorro community in Guam pushed me to be involved in San Diego and later on inspired the push to preserve, promote and sustain my Chamorro roots through this foundation. Because I’m a visual and imaginary type of person, I wanted to create accessibility and visibility of our culture, arts and traditions to Chamorro people born outside of Guam. I had a mission to share the rich history with those of Chamorro decent, childhood to adulthood that primarily have never been to our island. Through the foundation’s cultural showcase, we provide tools for them to experience our culture hands-on and also give them a connection to the roots of our ancestors. Listening to families share amongst each other their own personal stories brings the artifacts to life. I know the goal is accomplished when people leave feeling more confident in knowledge and connected with their identity in the Chamorro community. You are doing just that, Dad. We are so thankful for you and for our family. This legacy created is a powerful one to inherit. Grandpa and Grandma, Juan and Enriqueta Fejeran, are looking down, beaming with pride. Thank you to PIFA and to our Pacific Islander community for years of love and support. Your presence has truly been the greatest gift to our family.

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Irensia is ready for New Dancers 2020 is your year..

Second half of our 5 year recital.

Celebrating our 5 year anniversary.

We are so excited to celebrate 5 years of being able to promote and perpetuate our CHamoru Culture with our dancers and community. These past 5 years have taught us a lot and we are still learning. We hope you join is as we share with you our passion.

Come out and take a trip to how it all began. Irensia Cultural Dance Troupe 5 year recital! Tickets on sale now...

Irensia performance at Pacific Islander night with the Padres.

GVB/GCDA with an all Guma performance ... Biba# Irensia,KCF,UnoHit and Imahen....

PIFA 2019.. The "Journey Home" it was a great event and Irensia was honored to be a part of such a great event....

What a great singer and song that was captured at this year's 25th PIFA celebration...

Lunch plate orders are being taken for Oct. 30th, 2019. We will deliver to your place of employment or can be picked up. Please pm us directly. Si Yu'os Ma'ase for all your support.

Irensia Dance Troupe is gearing up for our inaugural group recital on Saturday, Nov. 16th! In preparation, we are holding a deliciously popular fundraiser with Butter Braids! This year’s flavors are: Apple Cream Cheese... Cinnamon Strawberry Cream Savory 4 Cheese & Herb Holidays are fast approaching, so get your Butter Braids today! $14 each and Irensia earns a 43% return! Comment below if you’d like to order! Thanks in advance for your support!