They came from far and near to be part of Miss Samoa Moemoana Schwenke's inaugural Tā Fesilāfai Creative and Performing Arts program.

Over 100 participants converged on the Tuutuuileloloto Hall in Apia on Saturday morning, eager to learn from one of Samoa's top Siva Afi and Siva Samoa performers. There were even children and their parents, who caught the early morning ferry ride from Savai'i to be part of the dance program. 

Kalaponi Leung Wo of Eva village woke up early Saturday morning eager to bring her very excited 12-year-old daughter Candice at 8 am.

“This is a great opportunity for her to learn more about Samoan dance, especially with the Siva Afi,” she said. “She’s someone that doesn’t like dancing and I was encouraging her for this initiative so she can learn more about dancing.

"This is great for the kids in Samoa to learn more about our Miss Samoa and I am grateful for her for sharing her talent and help with the young ones in our country.”

According to Mrs. Leung Wo, she will return next Saturday with her daughter to continue the lass' learning in the inaugural program. 

The Tuutuuileloloto Hall was also filled with spinning sticks, which were crafted to mimic Moemoana’s talent of twirling the flaming Nifo oti on the night she was crowned the new Tausala Samoa. These classes are provided free of charge and are part of her plan to encourage creative and performing arts in the country.

Ms. Schwenke, it was an emotional moment for her to see families from as far as Savai'i, bringing their children to Upolu to learn from her.

“I am definitely overwhelmed by the amount of interest from young girls and boys, and the families that all took the time out to dedicate this day to their children," said Ms. Schwenke. "I had a little bit of an emotional moment this morning because families from Savaii came.

“A lot of people came from Asau which was really special to me because of how far they have to travel. I am really excited because it’s exciting to see these kids learn new things and level up their knowledge of Siva Samoa and Siva Afi. I’m looking forward to the next few weeks.” 

While the practice session on Saturday was focused more on Siva Afi and Siva Samoa. Next week’s session will look at Cook Island dances as well as the Maori Kapa Haka where an instructor from New Zealand will help lead the class.

“I am very honoured to be able to impart some of my knowledge and experience to the kids and I am on  a learning journey too on how I can teach them best and how they can reach their full potential.”