Today we’d like to introduce you to Apoua Tonga.
Hi Apoua Tonga, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In the early 2000’s, my fellow Co-Directors and myself were part of a prestigious & award winning Polynesian Dance Troupe based out of Garden Grove, CA. For many years, we performed at various dance festivals and dance competitions throughout CA, HI, NV, UT, TX & Tahiti. It was during this time, we developed the love and knowledge of our South Pacific culture, traditions & heritage.
Many many years later, after helping numerous Polynesian dance groups we decided to start our own dance group that we can run ourselves.
11 years ago in 2015, we created TOLOA Polynesian Dance; to preserve, perpetuate & promote our South Pacific cultures.
Not only did I want to start this group to preserve our culture, but I wanted my daughter to know and always remember who she is and where she comes from.
In this day and age, that can be forgotten very easily.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road
Some struggles we face are non-polynesians promoting our culture incorrectly.
Youtube has also been somewhat of a culprit as well. Some people would rather copy a dance off Youtube than actually learn the proper techniques or meaning behind the dance.
I find it hard in TX to find students. In CA, almost everyone was part of a group. Which may be the reason that the majority of our students used to live in CA
Distance/location. Some people have said Grapevine is too far to travel for class
Class days. We currently only offer classes on Saturday mornings due to our full time jobs
Dedication. We find it some people can’t commit to class on Saturday mornings
Unknown. A lot of local people don’t know who we are. If we didn’t grow up in TX, they don’t want to support us, even though we have so much knowledge & background in this “polynesian dance” world
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the Lead Dance Instructor/Choreographer & Co-Director for TOLOA Polynesian Dance We specialize in teaching & sharing authentic Polynesian culture from the islands of Samoa, Tahiti, Hawaii, New Zealand, Fiji & Tonga through music & dance
Our program is designed to teach the proper techniques while instilling students with a sense of self-worth, pride, respect and appreciation for the Polynesian cultures and traditions
I am most proud of all the hard work we’ve done in the past 10 years. We are still committed to passing on our knowledge & legacy to the next generation. I’m proud that my daughter has gained the love of learning more about her herself & culture through our group.
What sets our group apart from others is our LIVE music & LIVE drumming!!! We play our own instruments (drums, ukuleles & guitars) and sing live – NO RECORDINGS. Authentic costumes and original choreography.
Through our performances, we embody the love, service, and family values of our ancestors. Striving to uplift and connect with all who seek to hear our voices, see our bonds of friendship, know our hearts and feel the powerful spirit of our Mana.
To represent TOLOA is to wear our legacy with grace – to be a living tribute to those who came before us.
Any big plans?
My future plans for TOLOA Polynesian Dance is to take the group to visit the islands, whether it be Tahiti, Samoa or even Hawaii. I think it’s important for them to actually see the places we teach, sing & dance about. To learn first hand how to make indigenous costumes, eat the food, or to watch a festival in person.
Another plan is to enter a dance competition. This would involve a lot of time, money & logistics, something that needs all hands on deck.
Pricing:
- $50.00/month
Contact Info:
- Instagram: toloa_dance
- Facebook: TOLOA Polynesian Dance – DFW
Image Credits
Jason Nelson Photography Apoua Tonga
