Be Fearless, says the internationally renowned choreographer, dancer, director and businesswoman Parris Goebel who was the recipient of the inaugural Pacific Business Trust Legacy Award at the National Pacific Business Trust Awards held recently at Eden Park.
Reflecting on being the inaugural recipient of the Pacific Legacy Award, which acknowledges Pacific business leaders and businesses that have been consistently successful over a number of years, she says, “To be recognised and celebrated by my people is special. It’s actually one of the most meaningful awards I’ve ever won.”
Having contributed vastly to the arts, business, youth and the Pacific community, Parris was recognised for creating a legacy for Pacific people, young women in particular.
The actress of Samoan, Chinese and Scottish descent who runs The Palace Dance Studio that has had The Royal Family crew win the World Hip Hop Dance Championships three times says: “For someone like me, who has worked really hard to make my dreams come true and also inspire other Pacific people, it is encouraging and empowering. It lets me know I’m doing something good.”
The sought-after music-video director attributes her success to her father Brett, as well as to her Pacific heritage.
“Us Pacific people, we work hard, we make do with what we’ve got, even if we don’t have much.
“My Pacific heritage has played a huge part in who I am, what I’m about, what I stand for and what means the most to me; family, love, giving back, service.”
The Legacy Award was presented to the dancing diva by Carmel Sepuloni, Minister for Social Development and Disability Issues, Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage and Pacific Peoples.
“This recipient has already made her mark on the global stage of her chosen profession. We could not think of a better Pacific person to honour as the inaugural recipient,” said Ms Sepuloni.
Offering advice for upcoming Pacific entrepreneurs, Parris said, “It’s our time to shine, we have this raw energy within us that people recognise and celebrate when we show it.
“My advice is to be fearless, show what you’ve got within you, shine and you’ll be surprised by the world’s reaction … the world will celebrate you.”
