Siva Mo Lou Soifua Manuia with Charlene Tedrow

In this workshop, we will explore foundational Siva Samoa movements while unpacking their cultural meanings — how each gesture reflects our connection to land, ocean, sky, ancestry, and community.

Participants will learn how the softness of the hands, the grounding of the feet, and the rhythm of the breath mirror the natural world and our relationship to it.

About the tutor:
Charlene Tedrow has dedicated her life to advancing Pacific indigenous dance forms across Aotearoa, New Zealand. Through workshops, classes, community events, and arts festivals, she has created an inclusive space for participants and audiences to celebrate their cultural heritage through dance. Her approach emphasizes the synergy of mind, body, and spirit, blending traditional practices with contemporary contexts.

Holding a Bachelor of Performing Arts in Dance from Auckland University, Charlene is a leader in community empowerment. Her passion for working with women and children is evident in her founding of Ura Tabu Pacific Dance, which has served Pacific communities for over 14 years, using dance as a platform for self-expression and creativity. She has also lead tours in Tahiti, Hawaii and Samoa.

In addition to her work with Ura Tabu, Charlene partners with schools and organizations to incorporate Pacific dance into educational curricula, helping future generations connect with their cultural roots. Her initiatives bridge generational gaps, fostering pride in identity.