The Phoenix Performing Arts: A Tongan Cultural Gem
Reading about the genesis of the Phoenix Performing Arts group in Tonga is incredible, and inspirational. Founded by Siosiua Tofua’ipangai and Shiara Astle, both were dancers (Siua an ethnic dancer, Shiara ballet) who had been injured and unable to continue in their chosen disciplines.
Adapt & Overcome
In spite of being bound to a wheelchair, Siua succeeded in his dream of creating a dance company. He drew from his University experience to apply the following precepts:
- appreciate art on its own merit
- study arts from a critical standpoint
- articulate arts in practical and theory
- separate emotion from the intellectual aspects of arts
Joined by his sister, middle eastern drummer Kuinivia McCloud, the company is profiled by the London Fale here.
This is not that company, but it’s a glimpse of the traditional Tongan dance.
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POSTED IN: Becoming a Performing Artist, Dance
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