Mana of the Pacific

Heilani

Proudly representing the Polynesian Islands

Conch Shell Welcome
The conch shell is used as a welcome to the beautiful Pacific islands.

Tahitian Celebration Dance 
Tahitian dance celebrates the resilience of Polynesian culture. Heilani’s Tahitian welcome to the island performance features exciting, energetic and lively moves to the beat of the drums of Tahiti. 

Hawaiian Hula Dance
Hula is the storytelling dance of the Hawaiian Islands, told with grace and beauty. Heilani will perform a Hawaiian implement medley and give audience members the chance to learn how to Hula.

Samoan Siva Show 
Siva is the Samoan word for dance and the Samoan Siva is a dance of grace expressed through hand and arm movements. Heilani’s performance will explore the traditional Samoan dances Taualuga, Sasa and Ma’ulu’ulu.

Maori Dance Show - Poi & Haka
Traditionally the Poi was used as a strengthening tool to prepare for battle. In its more contemporary form, Poi is used in dance to convey a narrative using a sense of grace, beauty and charm. The Haka is a fierce display of a tribe’s pride, strength and unity. In its traditional form, the haka was a war dance performed on the battlefield by fierce warriors and when groups came together in peace. 

Polynesian Finale
The Heilani finale performance will feature dancers from all of the Pacific Islands in an extravangant end to the show. 

UQ South Pacific Islander Association (UQSPIA)

Proudly representing the Polynesian, Melanesian and Micronesian Islands

Niuean
Known as the ‘Rock of Polynesia’, the small nation of Niue is one of the worlds largest coral islands. The Niuean dances depict the lives of its people and their deep cultural connection to the land through the Gods. One such God is ‘Tagaloa’, the sun God that resides over Niue and its people.  

Kiribati
The beautiful Micronesian island of Kiribati is one that is very unique, even to the Pacific. Unlike most of the Pasefika islands, Kiribati’s style of dance is rigid yet smooth, fast yet calm. Such gestures are to represent Kiribati’s national animal, the Frigate, a majestic bird of the Kiribati islands. Its people mimic a bird ready to take flight through dance. With this, the people of Kiribati are ready for any adversity, and strong enough to conquer all trials and tribulations they face.  

Rabi
Rabi, an island off the coast of Fiji, is home to the Banaban people of Kiribati. Despite their history, the form of dance and attire differs greatly between the cultures. From the pace, to the custom of dance; each dance has been passed down from generation to generation, detailing their histories and origins. Their history is rich in tales of the movement and growth of the Banaban people.

Samoa
Music has always been central to Samoan Life. Vocal music is predominant, both in religious services and social gatherings, and is accompanied by percussion and string instruments. This is evident through the Samoan dances and songs. Through song and dance, stories have been told through generations and have been passed on as such.    

Tuvalu
The culture of Tuvalu is unique yet typical of the culture of the South Pacific Islands. Tuvalu is largely Polynesian (96%), with an emphasis on traditional ways, friendliness and a relaxed lifestyle. The people are famous for their dancing, music and handcrafts, which are highly regarded in the Pacific. Women wear a distinctive traditional dress made from hand-dyed pandanus leaf strips using traditional patterns and colours.