Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiana N. Liufau.
Hi Tiana, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am part of a lineage deeply rooted in preserving culture through music and dance. My ancestry spans Sāmoa, Hawaiʻi, and Tonga, yet I grew up in Southern California. Despite the distance, I maintain a profound connection to my cultural values.
Raised by a resilient Sāmoan woman who brought nothing but faith, love, and Polynesian songs and dances with her to the States, I was immersed in the arts from a young age. My grandmother founded Nonosina Polynesian dance company in 1965, a legacy passed down to my mother, brother, and me, now serving as creative director for the past 12 years.
I am a musician, choreographer, woman, aunty, daughter, scholar, artist, but above all, a thriving Polynesian. In each role, I carry the profound spirit of my culture, shaping both my personal journey and the collective narrative of my community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
While some may perceive my platform as glamorous, the reality is that it comes with its fair share of challenges. While everyone aspires to be their own boss, there are moments when I yearn to simply be a student. The path of entrepreneurship demands a level of mental fortitude and discipline that exceeds expectations. Balancing the demands of running a business alongside the creative and educational aspects of music and dance requires utilizing every facet of one’s cognitive capacity. And truth be told, I cannot navigate this journey alone.
With a multitude of students and classes running back-to-back from Monday to Friday, the importance of surrounding myself with trustworthy individuals who align with the mission statement cannot be overstated. The intersection of business and culture can often be perplexing. As Polynesian dance holds profound spiritual significance, my students rely on me to fill their cups with energy, knowledge, smiles, and culture. Despite personal struggles, it becomes imperative to set aside personal challenges to ensure my students receive the nourishment they seek.
There are moments when the weight of responsibility can feel isolating, especially when I long for my own cup to be filled. Yet, it remains my unwavering commitment to send everyone home content and fulfilled. Even in those moments of emptiness, ensuring the happiness of my students remains paramount.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Tiana Nonosina Liufau is a UCLA graduate from the Department of World Arts & Cultures, holding Bachelor of Arts degrees in Cultural Studies and Dance. With an impressive portfolio as a choreographer, Tiana has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. She has worked as the choreographer for both the original Moana film and its highly anticipated sequel, Moana 2, slated for release in November 2024. Currently, Tiana is also serving as the choreographer for the live-action adaptation of Moana, which is currently in production. Additionally, she has showcased her talents on “So You Think You Can Dance,” further solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in the world of dance.
In addition to her choreography work, Tiana is a multi-talented musician proficient in various instruments, including Polynesian percussion, ukulele, piano, alto saxophone, and drum set. She is skilled in reading and writing music, drawing influence from traditional and contemporary Polynesian music, as well as diverse genres such as 90ʻs hip hop, dancehall, reggae, soka, Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban, Baile funk, African renaissance hip hop, funk, and soul.
Any big plans?
In contemplating my future, I find comfort in the gentle unfolding of my dreams, nurtured quietly within. While some may choose to vocalize their ambitions, I find greater fulfillment in the silent determination of action. It’s in this understated approach that I believe the most heartfelt and genuine progress is made, one step at a time, towards the fulfillment of my deepest aspirations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nonosinadance.com/
- Instagram: tiana_nonosina
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiana.liufau?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nonosinapolynesia
