My ancestors traveled boldly from the East across the deep blue ocean in search of new land. I am the story of their voyage and adventure. I am the legacy of their Mana ...

Polynesian History

Samoa, Tonga, Hawaii, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji

Thousands of years ago, the Polynesian ancestors boldly crossed the deep blue ocean waters in search of new land. They used the stars at night and the ocean currents by day to navigate their double-hulled canoes. The Gods were in their favor and provided food and support to their pilgrimage. The Mana of their journey still sings in the natives' hearts as legends are passed down.

Some argue the Polynesians are from the Western and coastal areas of Asia. Artifacts, animals and remnants of the taro staple crop, a food with Western influence, support this theory.

Others believe the Polynesians came from America. In the 1940s, anthropologist Thor Heyerdhal set sail on the Kontiki to prove ancient American natives could travel to the South Pacific. He started in Peru and safely landed in the Tahitian Tu-amotu islands. Polynesian legends, tiki carvings and the kumara crop found in New Zealand also add claim that the original ancestors were Incans in South America.

No matter the Polynesian history, the spirit is the same. The warm and rich heritage only adds to the passion and culture that is modern Polynesia.

Legacy History

Legacy began in 2001 with three primary objectives: support education, promote cultural diversity and build partnerships with the community.

Legacy, a Polynesian dance team, was formed because the Polynesian community was growing exponentially in Utah. Island natives who came to Utah for the educational opportunities and the excellent value-based community were struck by the vast difference between Utah Valley and the exotic islands. Legacy provides a bit of home for these students.

Members of the dance team represent all six of the main Polynesian Islands.  Although predominantly Polynesian, people of many nationalities dance in Legacy, and the team invites all those interested to perform with them. The dancers choose majors as diverse as their cultures; some are in trades or business, while others focus on biology or mathematics.

Legacy performed at various venues at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City and on a promotional tour in Las Vegas, Nev. The team performs extensively in the summer and expects to travel the United States in the future. The team members are looking forward to sharing their culture with all walks of life.

Legacy operates under the Multicultural Center, with director Gwen Anderson, Shad Sorensen and Michelle Taylor as administrators.

Potential Shows

Legacy offers four culturally and authentically rich shows designed for private parties, corporate functions, luaus and much more. The shows are a hit with all ages and audiences, and one can certainly fit your occasion. All shows may come with the full luau package, including fire-knife dancing, Polynesian cuisine and more.

Some Final Notes

Legacy also performs on the weekends at Sweet's Restaurant in Provo. For information on food and entertainment, call (801) 374-0000.

The Legacy team members pictured throughout this brochure are full and part-time students, and community members dedicated to helping Legacy.  The Legacy  program brings these Polynesian students to Utah Valley where they learn in a diverse environment and share their culture.

Special thanks to Revoir Digital and Kim Taylor Reese, Issac Chen whose art photography is in this brochure. Also, thanks to College Relations, the UVSC Production Club, the Multicultural Center and SCUP for their support.

For more information please e-mail us at angilamo@uvsc.edu or contact Moana Havea-Angilau at 801-863-6059