Sei POlynesia Dance Group

In the beginning
In the midst of 2005, Cilla Brown and I sat down at a coffee shop on Kroad, and set about our grand plans to establish a dance group in New Zealand.
Why?
As former dancers for Samoa Tourism who both travelled to promote Samoan culture, we both share a passion for dance, and for Samoa.
Obviously, we have moved on from Samoa Tourism and have now focussed on our own lives and jobs, but the urge to don the puletasi once again pushed us to start something fantastic.

Samoan Dance, My Perspective
Samoan dancing is generally seen in New Zealand mainstream as 'dull, boring hand movements, with the occasional slap dance by men".
From where i was standing, the appeal of Samoan dancing was the grace in the movement, the physical attributes in the dancer, the music that liven the show and the assecories that completed the dance.
These key aspects of an inspiring samoan dance is largely absent in New Zealand.
What is more common is the haste unsmiling robotic dance moves that can lull the audience to sleep. The physical attributes are usually of largess physiques draped in poorly sewn, tacky coloured 'Made in Taiwan' poplin uniforms.
It is suffice to say that watching a Samoan youth group in Auckland is a sad portrait of Samoan people. The words obese springs to mind.

Doing it right
Samoan dance must be expressed, not taught.
Samoan dancers must be able to move freely and not restrained by being unfit.
In saying this, I have met many slim dancers who get exhausted after 30 minutes of rehersal.
Regardless of size, Samoan Dancers must be prepared to endure dance practices with decorum, commitment and enthusiasm.