Siuta Lelea

The same as below

• Instruction and Choreography: Teach specific dance styles, basic steps, body posture, and movements. Choreograph pieces inspired by traditional legends and personal narratives.
• Cultural Transmission: Educate students on the cultural context, values, beliefs, and history embedded within each dance, ensuring the art form is a genuine cultural learning experience. This often includes teaching associated songs, language greetings, counting, and other cultural activities.
• Identity Building: By engaging students in their heritage, I helped foster a strong sense of cultural identity, confidence, and belonging, particularly among Pasifika youth in diasporas communities.
• Performance Preparation: I prepare students and groups for performances at various events, such as the annual 3-day Pasifika Fusion festival for secondary schools (like Polyfest) in Palmerston North, the annual Jandal Jam pasifika cultural day in the Horowhenua. I also helped prepare Tongan songs for the Horowhenua Pasifika Choir to take part in the National Moana Pasifika Choir competition in Wellington. My groups also perform for community gatherings, and language weeks - which annually is held at Oranga Tamariki Youth Residential facility in Palmerston North.
• Costuming and Ceremonial Tasks: I teach skills related to creating traditional costumes or props (e.g., weaving skirts, making ula) and the significance of specific ceremonial tasks.
• Community Engagement: As mentioned above, I often collaborate with schools, community centers, and other organizations to run workshops and provide accessible classes to a wide range of participants, from young children to adults.
• Wellbeing and Social Connection: My role involves using our cultural arts to promote mental wellbeing, teamwork, and social connection among the students and people I teach.