Aunty Kiki: Champion of Samoan and Polynesian Culture

 

Early Life and Passion for Dance

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Known affectionately as "Aunty Kiki," she is a dedicated teacher, mentor, choreographer, and community leader passionately promoting Samoan and Polynesian culture. Aunty Kiki discovered her love for dance at age 12. By 16, she was teaching the church youth group (Autalavou) Polynesian and Samoan dance, guiding 50 to 70 performers for major events. Mentored by church elders and talented artists, including Julia Salilo Levi from the American Samoa Arts Council, as well as her own family, Kiki's passion for dance flourished.

 

Kiki pursued her interest in Polynesian dance beyond the church, inspired by mentors such as her parents, cousin Soaimaile Sotoa Reardan, and the Yandall Sisters. In August 1990, at age 27, she founded Taupou Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe & Band, encouraged by her dear friend Kathy Lane Zolezzi. Since then, Taupou Samoa has performed and taught workshops across California and internationally in American Samoa, Tahiti, and Germany. The troupe participated in the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FESTPAC) in 2008.

 

In 2003, she launched Polyrobics (Polynesian Aerobics), a dance and fitness program with the motto "keep it moving," which has been introduced in Mexico, Germany, and California. Today, Kiki continues to share her love and passion for Polynesian dance and culture with her Taupou Samoa family.

 

Community Involvement and Advocacy

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For over 30 years, Aunty Kiki has led community dancers at the Pacific Islander Festival in San Diego, teaching Siva Samoa and cultural workshops throughout California. In addition to managing Taupou Samoa, Kiki has worked as a full-time Immigration Officer while serving the Samoan and Pacific Islander community in multiple capacities. She has actively participated in the Samoan Community Council of San Diego for 20 years, including a decade as President. Since 1995, she has also been an active member of the Pacific Islander Association (PIFA San Diego), contributing to various cultural committees and events.

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Recently, Kiki served as the Polynesian Outreach Specialist for the Oceanside School District, mentoring middle and high school students in cultural enrichment and life skills. She continues her outreach through her nonprofit organization, Taupou Samoa Cultural Arts, engaging with high schools such as Cathedral Catholic’s Poly Club, Morse MISA, and SDSU PISA, among others. Kiki has been involved in numerous initiatives, including the American Samoa Political Status Study Commission and spearheading the Samoa Disaster Relief effort in 2009. Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Olo Letuli Lifetime Achievement Award and the HEIVA San Diego Community Leadership Award.

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Today, Aunty Kiki continues to judge and emcee Polynesian pageants, competitions, and festivals, proudly representing the islands of Samoa at the annual Pacific Islander Festival in San Diego. In conjunction with leading her nonprofit, Taupou Samoa Cultural Arts, and running her dance group, Aunty Kiki remains a devoted ambassador and advocate, serving as a pillar of support for the Samoan and Pacific Islander communities in San Diego and California. She embodies the Samoan proverb, "O le ala i le pule, o le tautua" – "The path to leadership is to serve."