Samoan dance

Siva Samoa is the Samoan term for a Samoan dance. Traditional Samoan dancing is one area of the culture that has been the least affected by western civilisation. It requires the dancer to retain grace, movement of the arms & hands is done so in a subtle but delicate manner. In earlier times, high chiefs or matais performed this special dance but today it is performed by a taupou, a version of Siva Samoa. Other forms of traditional Samoan dances include the taualuga, siva afi, and sasa.

I am navigating through the world with the guidance of my ancestors teachings, carving my place into the modern society as a daughter of Gods most beautiful creation - the South Pacific.

How to Siva Samoa with Maryjane McKibbin-Schwenke It is important for a Samoan teine to learn her Siva Samoa skills, because once in your life time you will have to perform it, whether it is at a birthday, a fundraiser or a wedding, Maryjane is here to school you on steps to a fabulous Siva Samoa.

The Photography of James Ogle.

Proud Polynesian, our cultural dance costumes are so beautiful, and so are our people! Photos by Adam LeSimmons

Back in April, a small committee of parents and church leaders from the Garden Grove 2nd Samoan Ward (my home ward, woohoo!) collaborated and put together a 2 day event based on the Samoan Culture. The Youth & Young Single Adults took part in this and learned and performed dances & music. They were even able to watch demonstrations of doing an umu (cooking a pig), preparing taro, fa'i, palusami, taking part in an ava ceremony, learning how to start a fire, weave a basket, and other day to…

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