Last week’s winners of the dance contest at Step It Up—Under 21 Summer Fun at GIG: Kristan Isip, left, and Jiro Montenejo.
GIG Nightclub Oasis is inviting the island’s dance crews and performers to show up and show out. Last weekend marked the start of the Step It Up–Under 21 Summer Fun event series, GIG’s program for the youth, 16 to 20 years old. The events are completely alcohol-free, GIG’s creative director Lisa Ficke said.
“We know that so many teens missed out on their proms and school dances and lots of group socials over the last couple of years because of the global pandemic,” Ficke said. “We wanted to find a way to give the teens of Saipan something fun to look forward to every weekend during their summer break this year.”
Ficke said for the Step It Up-Under 21 Summer Fun series, GIG wants the island’s youth to “feel like there’s an epic school dance every weekend.”
The events happen every Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
But Ficke said teens under 18 must adhere to the CNMI’s public curfew and leave by 10 p.m. There is also a $10 entrance fee on both nights.
One of the highlights of Step It Up-Under 21 Summer Fun at GIG will be the Saturday dance competition, which takes place at 9:30 p.m. to accommodate all youth patrons.
“Saipan has so much dance talent!” Ficke said. “It’s so ingrained in our street culture and we’re so happy to host a place where they can perform with the music and lights to really make their routines pop!”
Ficke hopes GIG can be a gathering place for the best dancing talent and performances on island.
She said winners will receive free entrance for the entire summer. Additionally, GIG will host a finals competition for all weekend winners where they will offer cash prizes for top performers.
But that’s just what occurs inside the Garapan pyramid, Ficke said. Outside the club area, in the “Oasis,” youth patrons can enjoy darts, corn hole, and giant Jenga or just vibe.
Ficke said the nightclub has worked with local authorities to plan a “school dance” ambiance that “prioritizes [youth] safety.”
“During the hours of 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., GIG Nightclub Oasis does not serve any alcohol at all, and serves all the youths non-alcoholic drinks in a separate area,” Ficke said.
Nightclub staff will either remove or cover alcohol containers, she added.
“This summer will offer age-appropriate fun,” Ficke said.
“[At GIG] teens can have something fun to look forward to each week and also help to develop their talent and their performance experience, which is a great way to build confidence while being creative,” she added.
