Tautua Dance Academy: Empowering young people to embrace their cultural identity

Tautua Dance Academy is igniting a passion for Samoan performing arts among Wellington youth.

Established in 2016, Tautua Dance quickly gained recognition for its traditional Siva Samoa programs in schools.

In 2022, the academy branched out to include Siva Afi - fire knife dancing in their program.

Co-director Jayden Luapo says they aspire to foster cultural identity and artistic expression among Pacific youth in Wellington.

"It's about instilling confidence in their cultural identities," he said.

"For most of our students, there's just that lack of connection [to culture]. When we started Tautua Dance, we wanted to be that bridge between them, and their cultural identity through Siva Samoa, through Siva Afi, through our music, [and] through our actions."

Since its inception, Tautua Dance has achieved impressive results, with students placing in top spots at national competitions.

Luapo believes that understanding their cultural roots empowers the young performers, allowing them to shine on stage.

"It's about making sure that they feel confident in who they are first and foremost, before they even go on to that stage.

"If you go onto that stage not being confident in your own identity, you're either going to get injured or you're not going to give it your full potential on stage. We want them to be proud Pasifika artists."

The academy brought "the heat down under", competing in the inaugural Toa Ole Afi Pati Levasa fire knife competition in Australia last month.

Luapo said the international competition was a significant milestone for the academy.

"It's massive for us to take part in this event."

"New Zealand has had Siva Afi competitions for several years, but this was a unique opportunity for our students to showcase their talent on an international stage."

Five promising dancers represented Tautua Dance Academy at the competition: Hezekia Asiata, Harlan Antonio-Tanuvasa, and Jeremiah Gagamoe in the junior men's category, alongside junior female competitors Japhia Gagamoe and Jazarrah Suluo'o Tala.

Japhia Gagamoe placed third overall in the junior female section.

Luapo said it was an eye-opening experience.

"For many of our students, this was their first time traveling abroad; it opens their eyes to the possibilities beyond their local communities."

He wants his students to realize performing arts is a viable career pathway.

"Not many people think that performers can make a living or it's a real career."

"Growing up, it was either university so you could go get a good job or go and play rugby league and become a professional athlete. But no one really looked at being an artist. And to be honest, our people are naturals and professional artists."

Upon returning home to Wellington Luapo expressed how proud he was of his students.

He says their courage to compete on an international stage will inspire others to pick up traditional Samoan performing arts, ensuring their culture is passed on to the next generation.