Celebrating Our Polynesian Heritage

Paradise of Samoa Dance Troupe is the vision of Tuaopepe ‘Tasi’ Keener, a Samoan dancer born and raised in the Independent State of Samoa. Tasi moved to Oregon in 1999 and became active with the small Samoan community in and around Salem, Oregon. She saw that most of the Samoan Community, especially  the young people, were having difficulty in learning and maintaining aspects of the unique culture of Samoa, particularly in the area of the arts and language.  Many of the kids had never been to Samoa, and were unfamiliar with the language, culture and dance from their native Pacific islands. Tasi is a Samoan “matai”, or chief, and is recognized as a “culture keeper” on the roster of the Oregon Folklife Network, University of Oregon, and serves on the advisory boards of the Oregon Folklife Network, Salem World Beat Festival, and the Micronesian Islander Community Salem, Oregon.

With her training in the Samoan arts and dance, Tasi began working with the Samoan Club of the Willamette Valley as the choreographer of Samoan dance and entertainment, and developed several community events and activities in order to illustrate the Samoan Culture.  Participants quickly began growing in number, and Tasi developed a large number of new routines, dances, and original music and she organized  a studio in her home. Tasi’s  family has been an instrumental part of the shows and four daughters and one son have performed and train with her in music and dance. Over the years, many non-Pacific Islanders participate and perform  as participation is open free of charge to all with  willingness  and commitment to learn.  All costuming is original and handmade, and the troupe averages 50 shows per season.

“Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe” is comprised of 30 trained dancers and entertainers, over 20 volunteers, and hosts at least one  luau every year.  The shows include live music and may include fire dancing.  The troupe is available for community events, corporate events, churches, libraries, benefits, schools, and weddings.

The full show consists of a tour of the Pacific Islands, including Samoan, Tongan, Fijian, Tahitian, Maori and Hawaiian Dance…all withwith traditional costumes and narration.

Because Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe is a cultural group and a non-profit entity, rates are negotiable, based upon the type of show and the traveling distances involved. Our rates may depend on miles of travel from Salem, Oregon. We bring our sound system and changing tent. Fees are kept modest, and all ages enjoy the narrated show.

Paradise of Samoa is a non-profit entity and is exempt under Section 501(c) 3 of the IRS Code. Contributions made to Paradise of Samoa are tax deductible, and we are pleased to provide a tax receipt for your donation(s).