Siva Moni
Polynesian Dance Studio
Salt Lake City, Utah
Our
Story
Honor Culture
At Siva Moni Studio, we create art through music and dance by deeply engaging with our Polynesian heritage—honoring the traditions of the past while shaping the future through innovation and expression.
Focus Areas
We specialize in teaching music and dance from the following cultures
'ori Tahiti
I emphasize ʻori Tahiti (Tahitian dance) in my practice because it offers a strong technical foundation for developing body awareness, strength, and control. The movement vocabulary—rooted in grounded stances, precise isolations, and rhythmic coordination—challenges dancers both physically and mentally. This discipline not only refines a dancer’s ability to move with intention, but also provides a solid base for learning other Polynesian dance forms. ʻOri Tahiti helps dancers understand the importance of posture, alignment, and energy, which are essential across the diverse styles within Polynesian cultural dance.
Siva Samoa
I focus on Siva Samoa because it instills a deep sense of respect, humility, and cultural grounding—values that are foundational to understanding and honoring Polynesian dance as a whole. Rooted in tradition, Siva Samoa teaches dancers to move with intention and grace, while also emphasizing the importance of live music, singing, and communal connection. Through these elements, dancers are invited to engage not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally, fostering a deeper connection to their cultural roots. Siva Samoa reminds us that dance is not only a form of expression, but a way of honoring our ancestors, families, and the sacred responsibility we carry as cultural practitioners.
Kapa Haka
I teach Kapa Haka because it offers a unique and powerful dimension to Polynesian dance education—one that contrasts and complements the movement styles of Tahiti and Samoa. Kapa Haka challenges dancers to develop different forms of coordination, incorporating synchronized movement with vocal technique, including both melodic singing and forceful haka calls. It introduces a distinct kind of sacredness—rooted in strength, storytelling, and communal identity—that deepens our understanding of what it means to carry culture through performance. Through Kapa Haka, dancers not only train their bodies, but also their voices and spirits, engaging fully with the mana of the Māori people and their traditions.
Images
Gallery
Meet the Choreographer
Moni Tiatia
I am a second-year MFA student in Choreography at Jacksonville University, where I am expanding my research and creative practice in cultural and Indigenous dance forms. I currently serve as the Artistic Director of Living Legends, a touring company at Brigham Young University that celebrates Native American, Latin American, and Polynesian cultures through music and dance. I also teach as an adjunct faculty member in BYU’s Department of Dance, focusing on cultural dance. My roots are in Polynesian dance, which I have practiced, performed, and taught for many years. I’m passionate about preserving cultural integrity while exploring how these traditions can continue to grow and evolve through choreography, education, and community engagement. I have Directed Music Videos, Seasons, and Performances across the valley and that have been showcased across the world.
Get in Touch
If you are interested in learning more about our classes or booking Moni Tiatia please complete the form.
We look forward to hearing from you!