2009-2025

The way Mina danced was a reflection of her heart.

We honor the life our dear Mina Brooks - Mina was the light within our academy whose presence, joy and grace touched everyone who knew her. Mina carried herself with quiet confidence, cultural pride, grace and honor. She moved with elegance and was always encouraging to those around her. Mina, your spirit will live with us in every siva we dance, every student who walks through our doors. Our beautiful taupou forever in our hearts.

1928-2007

The first person I looked up to, the one who taught me life and culture - my grandfather.

Everything I do - every class I teach, every child I guide, every dance we perform - is because of him. My grandfather is the reason this foundation exists today. He taught me what it means to be proud of where I come from, to serve with humility, taught me to be humble and to walk in the world as a reflection of my ancestors. He not only taught me this but he lived it and through him I learned to live it too.

He was my greatest teacher, my compass and my hero.

This academy, and all the lives it touches, are part of his legacy. I strive everyday to pass on his teachings to my children and now to every student who walks through our doors.

Fa’afetai mo le ta’iala, mo le alofa, ma le fa’atuatua - o lou tofi lea ua avea ma ta’avae o le a’oga lenei.

Thank you for your guidance, your love, and your belief in me - your legacy has become the foundation of this academy.

1957-2014

“Ia e manatua, o le igoa o lou aiga, lou nu’u, ma lou aganu’u - e te ave i mea uma e te faia.” Remember, you carry your family name, your village, and your culture in all that you do.”

My father the one who taught me to stand talk and walk with pride in my culture and my family. The one who taught me the true “Fa’a Samoa” ways with his words, actions, love, humility, service and guidance. It is his example that I set the standards for my academy. He didn’t just teach me my culture - he lived it, and made sure that we did as well and that we carry those traditions with honor and strength. Because of him, I lead with pride, I serve with heart, and I dance not just for myself but those who came before me.

1966-2021

We remember with deep love and gratitude Aunty Pela (Ilaisa’s Second Mom), a guiding light in our lives. She was not only a beautiful dancer but carried the most beautiful personality - full of gentleness, humor, strength, and unconditional love. To know Aunty Pela was to feel seen, uplifted, and embraced. Her memory will live with us always.

1966-2011

With heartfelt gratitude, remembering always uncle tony. A great mentor and whose musical talent is unmatched. He was not just a musician - he was my uncle, teacher, and protector. Uncle Tony shared his culture with the world through his music and brought about laughter and wisdom to all those around him. His mentorship shaped the roots of our founder’s vision- and his spirit lives on in the rhythm we teach and the joy we pass down.

1959-2020

“O le a’oa’o moni, e lē na o le tufatufa i le tomai - ae o le fa’atupuina o le loto.” A true teacher does more than teach skill - she shapes the heart.

The life and legacy of Aunty Dorthy, a talented instructor, dancer, musician, entertainer, cultural leader, and beloved mentor whose guidance helped shape not only our academy - but who we are as people.

Aunty Dorthy poured her love, disciple, and deep knowledge of the Polynesian culture into every class, every rehearsal, every single dancer whose lives she touched. She didn’t just teach dance - she taught true confidence, respect, pride and to share the beauty of our culture with the world. I am grateful to have had you as a guidance in my life both on and off stage. E le galo oe aunty dofi.