LE ALA
M O V E M E N T
Meet the Co-Founders of
LE ALA MOVEMENT
Talofa lava!
I'm Agnes Māele, co-founder of 'LE ALA Movement' and a passionate advocate for preserving and celebrating Samoan culture through the art of Siva Sāmoa.
I have dedicated myself to learning, performing, choreographing, and teaching Samoan dance, with a heart to inspire others through our cultural heritage.
Guided by my Christian faith, I strive to serve with humility, excellence, and purpose while honouring the beauty, values, and traditions of Samoa.
Experience
Since beginning my journey in 2016, I have gained extensive experience in both traditional and contemporary Samoan dance.
- 2016-2020:
I competed and placed first as Taupou for my College at the ASB Polyfest in 2016.
Since then, I taught and choreographed for Polyfest groups, helping students prepare for performances while developing their confidence, discipline, and teamwork.
- 2021-2026:
I tutored at a Samoan dance academy, working with dancers of various ages and skill levels to strengthen their technique, performance quality and cultural understanding.
Alongside my teaching, i have choreographed performances for weddings, cultural events, church programs, and community celebrations. Each opportunity has allowed me to share the richness of Samoan culture while helping other grow in confidence, express themselves through movement and appreciate the deeper meaning behind every performance.
My vision as Co-Founder & Tutor
As co-founder of ‘LE ALA Movement’, my vision is to create a welcoming and uplifting environment where people of all ages can learn, grow, and connect through Samoan performing arts. I believe Siva is far more than dance - it is storytelling, identity, worship, and a living expression of our culture and heritage.
My goal is to equip every student with strong technical foundations while fostering a genuine appreciation for the history, symbolism, and values behind every movement. More importantly, I hope to inspire the next generation to carry traditions forward with pride, excellence, humility and respect, ensuring that our culture continues to flourish for generations to come.