It is not every day that Polynesian and Pasifika culture is given space on a national stage, and even rarer when that space is held with care, intention, and respect for the people it represents.
For generations, Pacific movement, sound, and storytelling have lived within our communities. They have been nurtured in church halls, school gyms, backyards, and family gatherings, carried forward through discipline, love, and responsibility. To witness those same expressions shared on a platform as visible as The Jennifer Hudson Show reflects a shift many Pacific people have long hoped for: being seen without dilution and celebrated without explanation.
That visibility came to life through the leadership of Creative Director Tiana Liufau and co-creative Kayla Fa‘amaligi, who guided a collective of 48 dancers and 8 drummers during The Jennifer Hudson Show’s National Day of Racial Healing segment. Through Polynesian movement, rhythm, and cultural storytelling, the performance grounded a national conversation in Pacific presence.
Every element of the performance carried intention. From choreography to formation, the work centered cultural responsibility, ensuring Polynesian culture appeared on screen in a way that honored lineage, protocol, and community.
Behind the scenes, the moment unfolded as a communal effort. Aunty Riki Liufau was present alongside Nonosina staff and a village of parents who offered steady support throughout the process. Their presence reflected a familiar truth within Pacific spaces: cultural milestones are sustained by many hands, not just those seen on stage.
The appearance also aligned with Nonosina Polynesia’s 60th anniversary, marking six decades of legacy through dance. Sixty years of teaching, storytelling, and cultural continuity converged in a moment that bridged generations, acknowledging those who laid the foundation while affirming those carrying it forward.
Reflecting on how the opportunity came together, Tiana Liufau shared:
“Nonosina was nominated to The Jennifer Hudson Show by members of our Polynesian community, and the JHUD team connected with Kayla, and the rest was history. Voices and faces of our own people matter, and normalizing our excellence across all platforms is now.”
She also spoke to the experience behind the scenes:
“The JHUD team brought good vibes, respect, and top tier service. Our cast walked away with a sense of pride, gratitude, and kuleana fulfilled.”
For Kayla Fa‘amaligi, intention continues to guide the work:
“We’re intentional about putting Polynesian culture on screen because representation matters. Our culture is living and carried by our people every day.”
She added:
“To share it in a space centered on healing, surrounded by our elders, parents, and children, held deep meaning. The Jennifer Hudson team created an environment where our culture was truly respected. This work centers visibility, care, and ensuring the next generation sees themselves reflected with pride.”
Moments like this hold weight within Pacific communities. They affirm that our stories, movements, and voices belong in national conversations, presented by our own people, guided by cultural responsibility, and received with respect.
And for every Pasifika child watching, seeing dancers who look like them, move like their families, and carry culture with pride, this moment quietly says what our ancestors have always known:
We belong on every stage.
