April 12, 2013
I very rarely get to work directly with customers, but when I do, I am reminded of why I love the PCC so much.
Tonight, all the students were rushing around to prepare for graduation tomorrow, and in all the hustle and bustle, no one was assigned to take the Japanese customers on the backstage tour. I was called to the front to apologize to them, and instead decided to take them on tour myself.
As we walked through the backstage area, I tried to explain how this is more than just a spectacular show but a real unique treasure created to help preserve and portray the cultures of Polynesia by teaching and passing on this great cultural heritage to these young people.
As I spoke, a wonderful warm feeling came over me — I felt a genuine appreciation for the wonderful people who came before us and made this place what it is today.
My favorite part of this tour is a sign that hangs over a large mirror backstage. The performers read the words of the sign as they look at themselves in the mirror just before going out on stage. It reads, “Through this tunnel, pass the best dancers in Polynesia.”
I told our Japanese guests tonight that this is not to boast or brag, but to remind ourselves that it’s our responsibility to make that statement true — not for ourselves, but for our customers,
who make it possible for us to be here and work our way through school.
As we look into the mirror, we remember all those who came before us, who left for us a wonderful legacy of love. We also are reminded that there are many who will come after us as well. It’s our solemn responsibility to treasure the legacy we’ve been given so that we can, in turn, pass it on to them. I told them, “As a recipient of this great gift myself, on behalf of all the employees of the PCC, and all those who came before us, and all
those who have yet to come, I offer you our heartfelt thanks.”
I bowed deeply. And when I raised my head, I saw tears in their eyes and smiles on their faces. They bowed deeply in return. I was so touched by the spirit that I could not help crying.
An older woman came up to me, and very uncharacteristically of the Japanese, put her arm around me and said:
“As you spoke, I felt a warm feeling in my heart. Do you know what that is? It’s love! Thank you for sharing this with us. It has changed my perspective on this place. It’s not just a fun theme park, it’s a place born of love.”
It truly is a privilege to be associated with this very special place, and although I am unworthy, I am truly grateful to be able to be a small part of it each and every day.
The Polynesian Cultural Center: The Place Born of Love.