Last week, the Independence Public Library hosted the Polynesian dance troupe known as “the Paradise of Samoa” to perform authentic Pacific Island routines in Riverview Park.

Born and raised in the Independent State of Samoa, Tasi Tuaopepe Keener, founder of the dance group, moved to Oregon in 1999 and soon became active in the small but mighty Samoan community in the Willamette Valley. Upon noticing that her community, especially the younger generation, was having difficulty learning and maintaining certain aspects of the culture, she decided to develop events and activities that celebrated Samoan art and language. With a focus on dance and music, Tasi developed a large number of routines and dances in an effort to bridge the gap between American and Pacific Island traditions.

At Riverview Park, participants got to dance, learn native words, and take a trip through the Pacific Islands by way of great music and narration.

To find more events from the Independence Public Library, visit: https://www.ci.independence.or.us/library