PART 1: Tagi Ai Le Fatu Tutorial with Maryjane Mckibbin Schwenke

Samoan siva has variation of styles, this dance is a Maulu'ulu style dance rather than a Taualuga (solo performance dance). Although, you can use some of these movements in a Taualuga. Maulu'ulu style siva interprets or illustrates the poetry of the song: dancing to the lyrics. Maulu'ulu can be performed by both men and women.
With Taualuga, often the dancer (traditionally the Manaia or Taupou) dances from his/her soul and not so much to the lyrics, his/her movements are improvised capturing the spirit and emotion of the moment. More formal style Siva.
Samoan siva practitioners each have their own styles and interpretations based on their own experiences.
Before attempting this dance, for Basic technique you can find a HOW TO SIVA SAMOA with Maryjane on TH-cam also.
Techniques to remember and incorporate in this dance.
- Se’e- slide/glide
- Bending of knees: out of respect in Samoa when speaking to elders we lower ourselves, same concept for siva. In a village setting elders and chiefs often sit around the Fale, the symbolism of bending knees is to show humility and respect - to lower ones self.
- Tapping of foot: try not to bounce or move hips.
- Ata: smile even if the meaning is sad.

[@seliamatonks3406]

So grateful for your time. Loving the words, the actions and especially the dance. Thank you so much❤️

[@MissLee33]

I really love this, please share more!!

[@cocomuncha7667]

Sorry to hear the loss of your father. God bless 🙏

[@maliasykes6285]

Omg loving this! Thank you Mary Jane!

[@sarahlualemaga136]

Luv it! Thank u for the online dancing!

[@faanaleleua2026]

Loving the content!! Also love learning new sivas!! Sending love from Cali!💜

[@kalaniwilliams1536]

Beautifully done 🥰

[@adapesa2898]

😍😍😍

[@sydneysiaosi2079]

❤️❤️❤️