The Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe will bring Pacific Island dance, music and cultural traditions to several Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries this summer, including a June performance at the Battle Ground Community Library.
The Battle Ground Community Library will host the troupe from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 17. The performance is open to all ages and will feature the living traditions of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa and New Zealand through dance and authentic music.
Paradise of Samoa is a nonprofit cultural group that shares Polynesian heritage through dance performances, live drumming, music, storytelling and educational outreach. The troupe’s programs are intended to promote cultural appreciation while preserving island traditions for future generations.
The group was founded by Tuaopepe “Tasi” Keener, a Samoan dancer born and raised in the Independent State of Samoa. After moving to Oregon in 1999, Keener became involved with the Samoan community in the Salem area and began teaching dance and cultural traditions to help young people stay connected to Samoan language, arts and heritage.
Keener, a Samoan “matai,” or chief, is recognized as a culture keeper by the Oregon Folklife Network at the University of Oregon. She has also served with cultural organizations and community festivals, helping share Pacific Island traditions through performance and education.
Paradise of Samoa performances often include traditional costumes, narration, live music and dances representing Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, Maori and Hawaiian cultures. The troupe is made up of trained dancers, entertainers and volunteers, and performs at community events, schools, libraries, churches, benefits and other gatherings.
According to the troupe, its mission is to teach Pacific Islands dance, culture, arts and music to anyone willing to learn, while helping communities better appreciate the beauty of Pacific Island arts and the importance of cultural and ethnic diversity.
Additional local performances are scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 20, at Vancouver Mall Library; from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at Cascade Park Community Library; and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, at Three Creeks Community Library. Several other performances will occur during the summer.
More information about the troupe is available at paradiseofsamoa.com.
