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Reflections of Polynesia erected
in the late 1980's with Tom Tu'italau Tonga as the head of the
company. The company has also been known by other names like
"The Polynesian Aires" and "The Tonga's." The
company name started out as the handing over of the family
entertainment business to the children. A family meeting was called,
and it was a unanimous decision to continue the entertainment
business as "Reflections Of Polynesia."
It all started around the early
60's. Tom migrated to the United States from the Kingdom
of Tonga on a academic scholarship. He was the first of the
Kingdom to migrate to the United States under those conditions. With
that under his belt, he attended The Church College of Hawaii, now
known as BYU
Hawaii. From there he partnered with a couple other friends that
came along with him, and have previously migrated to the States, and
togethere they put on several performances for the students at the
school. The interest grew and he ended up majoring in Electronic
Engieering, and minoring in Music Theory & Composition. To keep
money rolling in, he formed an etnertainment group. When the
children were born, his wife at that time, taught them, and they
grew up in the business. After some time, Tom felt it was time to
hand the business over to his children to carry out the
performances. It was decieded that the family business will be known
as "Reflections of Polynesia."
The current dancers of Reflections
of Polynesia are chosen from the Kolo Ko Tau'ataina Hula
Halau,(koh-loh-koh-tah-oo-ah-tah-ee-nah hoo-lah hah-lah-oo), which
is a school of Polynesian Dance, ethics, and culture. The Kumu (koo-moo),
or head teacher of the Halau (hah-lah-oo), Kumu Silika, hand picks
who will perform in hired performances. At the Hula Halau, the
students learn the correct tradition, culture, language, and dances
of the Polynesian Islands. Therefore giving the most authentic
performances possible.
The musicians of Reflections of
Polynesia were all taught by Tom Tonga (the father). They learned
music theory, and apply the knowledge to their instrument. They move
from instrument to instrument to provide the best, and most
authentic sound possible. Click
here to hear some samples.
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