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Creative ID: 288

Art form(s): Dance, Pacific arts
Language(s): English, Tongan
Based in: Auckland
Where I'm available:
Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, Hawke’s Bay, Otago, Waikato
Auckland Wide, Hamilton, Tauranga, Hawke's Bay, Dunedin, Gisborne, Oamaru, Christchurch.
When I'm available: Me and my team are available and flexible with time to accommodate the needs and requests from schools.

My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths)

Me and my partner and a few other Tongan dance tutors run an academy where we teach Tongan dances, music, language, arts and crafts and also Tongan cooking and culture in general.We run 10-week courses where anyone (not just Tongans) can take part in the community and learn. We have eight different classes here in Auckland, one in Hamilton, Tauranga, Dunedin, and Hastings. We both run theory and practical sessions and it is done bilingually for all participants to understand. We start from
beginners level, to intermediate to advanced. During Tongan Language Week in September we conduct a showcase and a competition for those that have demonstrated confidence and to be elevated to that level where they will gain confidence in public appearance, public speaking, and deepen their understanding of our Tongan culture. We present them with certificates of completion and encourage the spirit of good sportsmanship during our Tongan dance competition. Up to 3,000 people turned up to show their support and some travelled from out of Auckland regions to show their support.

My track record of experience and success - or the track record of experience and success of the creative or artist that I will partner with

When I migrated here, me and my husband were fortunate enough to work for Tongan Community Trust where we were granted a work visa to teach Tongan dances in some of the primary schools for two years and then I became a Tongan dance tutor for the University of Auckland. I've taught over 20 secondary schools for their ASB Polyfest since 1996 and I've also taught tertiary Tongan students for their annual event 'Amatakiloa. I've taught individuals, church, and community groups and I am one of the judges in different Tongan dance competitions including the ASB Polyfest. I've now established my own Tongan Academy for Tongan dance, arts, and culture where I have 10 other Tongan Dance tutors working with me to run programmes for our young people in the communities. I'm currently a student doing Masters for Applied Indigenous Knowledge courses. This year we taught a primary school's Tongan group two Tongan dances for their Cultural day.

Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes

I've gained experience working with children as little as 3 years of age teaching Tongan dances when I worked as a tour-guide and dancer at Tonga's National Centre in Tonga. When I migrated here, I continued teaching young people in schools, communities, churches, and family environment and that led me to establishing my own Tongan Academy. I teach bilingually because in my academy we have had non Tongans taking part in our classes to learn about our Tongan dances and culture. I divide the classes into four categories which are:

  • junior classes (4-8 yrs of age)
  • pre-teens (9-13)
  • teens (14-17)
  • seniors (18+). 

We will then teach them according to their knowledge of Tongan dances and culture, from beginner, intermediate, and advanced, then to the competition level, and then elevated to becoming a trainer to teach at schools (for senior students).

Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice

I feel that teaching them in schools will be a great opportunity for all parties involved and it'll help bridge the gap in understanding between parents and some of their New Zealand-born Tongan children but at the same time aid the young people to deepen their understanding of our Tongan treasure (our culture), their identity.

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