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Dance
  • Tuesdays, to
    05:30 pm - 06:30 pm
0.00
Pacific Dance New Zealand, Petronilla Su‘a
TAPAC class

Run by Pacific Dance New Zealand, these free classes are for girls aged 8+ to learn more about the dances, customs and ceremonies of the Pacific. These classes offer valuable contact with students cultural heritage, boost the confidence of the children and instills a sense of pride in their culture.

“It has benefited our children by connecting and learning more about their culture. It has grown their self-confidence and sense of identity”

“It has helped her learn more about her culture and heritage and to understand her grandparents and how they lived”

“She’s gained confidence in Samoan language, dance, meeting new friends and being in a new environment. It’s very important that these classes are free, she wouldn't be able to do them otherwise”

Children will learn to work together and appreciate cultural dance forms of the Pacific such as Siva Samoa.

All children are required to have a lavalava (sarong) for class.

These classes are made possible thanks to Lottery Funding

Teaching artist

Pacific Dance TAPAC

Pacific Dance New Zealand

Kids Dance Pacific classes are run by Pacific Dance New Zealand, a development organisation delivering a wide range of services for the Pacific dance sector of New Zealand. The organisation is governed by the Pacific Islands Dance Fono Trust. Pacific Dance New Zealand's Founder and Director Iosefa Enari was made a Member of New Zealand Merit in 2020. 

Teaching artist

Petronilla Su'a

Petronilla Su‘a

Teaching Artist

Petronilla Su‘a (she/her) is a Samoan freelance dance artist based in West Auckland, Aotearoa. Born in Samoa, she practices at the intersection of contemporary dance and cultural practice, grounded in her cultural heritage and faith.

She is a graduate of the Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts (Contemporary Dance) at Unitec. She has worked with choreographers including Jessie McCall, Sarah Foster-Sproull, Eddie Elliott, Tori-Manley Tapu, Aloali‘i Tapu, and Louise Potiki Bryant. In 2024, she was invited to second with ‘Isope ‘Akau‘ola on Last Man Standing, and her choreographic work Of Change was selected for the Moana Showcase at the Pacific Dance Festival (Auckland). She has also worked with Movement of the Human on Tōrua, and with Lyncia Muller on KUINI.

Petronilla’s passion as a dancer is sharing movement inspired by her heritage and faith. She enjoys teaching Siva and helping young dancers discover culture, storytelling, and joy through dance.