“Moana 2” Choreographer Tiana Liufau Discusses Cultural Heritage and New Movie Release
Celebrating Tradition Through Dance
Tiana Liufau, the choreographer for Disney’s “Moana 2,” shares insights about her role in the film and her deep-rooted connections to Polynesian culture. Now available on DVD and digital platforms, “Moana 2” highlights the vibrant storytelling and artistic expression of the Pacific Islands.
Legacy of Nonosina
Liufau leads Nonosina, a dance company founded by her grandmother, Stella Nonosina Reid, in Anaheim. Originally from the village of Faleniu in American Samoa, her grandmother brought the beauty of Polynesian music and dance to the United States. This legacy has been nurtured through generations — from her grandmother to her mother, and now to Tiana herself.
The Weight of Representation
In her role as choreographer for “Moana 2,” Liufau expresses both excitement and the weight of responsibility. She states, “I’m representing not only myself and my family, I’m representing my ancestors and the entire ocean.” This sentiment underscores the significance of her work, which is not only artistic but also a cultural embodiment of her heritage.
Heritage on Screen
Liufau finds pride in exhibiting Polynesian movement on screen, something she deemed unthinkable before, now a reality with “Moana.” “To see something that resonates directly to me… is something I never thought would be possible, but here we are,” she reflects, highlighting the film’s cultural relevance.
Exciting Upcoming Releases
With the new release of “Moana 2,” fans can anticipate additional content that deepens their connection to the story. Liufau is particularly enthusiastic about the special features and deleted scenes that accompany the DVD release. “Fans will feel that much more a part of the island of Motunui from ‘Moana,'” she notes.
A Voice for Her Culture
Reflecting on her pivotal role in a film that ranks as one of the highest-grossing of 2024, Liufau emphasizes the essence of her identity. “I am a product of this ocean,” she affirms, advocating for recognition of Pacific Islander storytellers as essential narrators of their own experiences. She views herself as a representative of the rich tradition of storytelling and voyaging inherent to her lineage.
