or the Samoan way of life.
To Samoans, the people considered the happiest in all the Polynesian islands, this means having God, family and respect.
I'm glad to have all three
so why be sad? he said. I love life. People ask me how I'm doing every day. I always say 'Hey still alive
still breathing - living the dream.'
Patrick Tafua lives the fa'a samoa
or the Samoan way of life.
To Samoans, the people considered the happiest in all the Polynesian islands, this means having God, family and respect.
I'm glad to have all three
so why be sad? he said. I love life. People ask me how I'm doing every day. I always say
'Hey
still alive
still breathing - living the dream.'
One of the main aspects of the Samoan culture is the dancing.
Beginning at the age of seven and through his high school years, Tafua practiced and performed the art of Polynesian dancing. He performed traditional dances from the Hawaiian hula to Samoan and Tahitian dances.
Tafua and his brothers joined a troupe that consisted of his family and one of his mother's friends, who also used to travel and perform the dances when they were Tafua's age.
He and his brothers participated in the troupe, though Tafua was the only one who actually performed the dances. His siblings played the drums and created the background music.
It was always a great time
just because I (had) my brothers there with me when we did the shows
