Our mission is to cultivate a culture of Aloha that embraces diversity and inclusion while celebrating the rich and cherished Polynesian heritage within our community. We strive to ensure that everyone who enters our doors feels cherished and valued.
MEET OUR FOUNDER
April Te’o Keil is the Creator and Founder of Siva Pasefika. Years ago she uprooted her young family and migrated from Samoa to St George. To ensure that her beloved culture was taught and rooted within her children and shared amongst her community, Siva Pasefika was created in 2006. Together with husband Ron and adult children Dallin, Dahlia, Sinalei and Tiare, they carry out and cultivate the Siva Pasefika vision by sharing Oceanic Mana and Aloha of Polynesia through dance and song. Their fresh perspectives of a rich culture takes Siva Pasefika to higher heights, renown stages with opportunities and experiences that allow them to showcase their love and passion.
WAHINE
Dahlia Talalupelele Keil
Dahlia is the oldest daughter of Ron and April Keil (founder and creator of Siva Pasefika). Born on the north shore of Oahu she has lived with her family in Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji and now St George, UT where as a teenager assisted with the creation of Siva Pasefika. Dance, fitness and wellbeing has always been a staple in her life. Certified as a Zumba Instructor at 16, she played a huge part with the Zumba craze that swept Southern Utah. Together with her mom and sister Sinalei, the Keil Krew brought in hundreds to their weekly classes. At a young age she also got certified in Hot Hula & introduced it to Southern Ut. Formerly an instructor at Be Hot, she currently teaches at her family's Studio Siva Pasefika as a Buti Yoga and Meditation instructor. Dahlia spent time in Maui learning the art of Lomi Lomi (Hawaiian Massage) and now owns a Lomi Lomi studio of her own. The love of her life, Seth, ensures that she travels often to wherever there is sand and water. She is expecting her first child in June and is loving life.
Stephanie Barrientos Keil
Stephanie was born and raised in Myrtle Beach, SC. Polynesian dance was introduced into her life after meeting her husband Dallin who at the time was performing with Polynesian Fire. Learning the artful skill of Polynesian dance came natural for her and she later joined Polynesian Fire as a full time performer. She has recently just returned to the stage after having her fifth child, baby girl Tehani. Dancing supports the advocate she is of healthy wellbeing and active living. Aside from being a busy mother of five, she assists and dances with Siva Pasefika. Stephanie is of Puerto Rican descent and has a deep love for the Polynesian culture and dance. She has been dancing and performing for 6 years and is a staple strength to the team.
Sinalei Lara Keil
Sinalei is a daughter of Siva Pasefika’s founder and creator April Te’o Keil. Born in Samoa, Sinalei from a very young age found her love for dance as a way to connect with her roots and heritage. Dance and Fitness are staples in her life. She introduced Buti Yoga to Southern Utah and is the creator of Ori Fusion and Wahine, two of some of the unique classes that she teaches at the beautiful Studio Siva Pasefika. Not only does Sinalei ensure that Studio Siva Pasefika is equipped with top notch instructors and classes but she is also Siva Pasefika’s lead choreographer and enjoys helping people through movement.
Tiare Keil
Tiare Keil is the youngest child of Ron and April Te’o Keil (founder and creator of Siva Pasefika). She was born and raised in St.George Utah her entire life but that has never stopped her from loving, living, and embracing her Polynesian culture. Family trips back to the islands to reconnect with family and culture have been highlights of her life. Tiare started her dancing career with Siva Pasefika at the young age of three and is currently a strong force to the team even after two ACL surgeries. Tiare has always loved showcasing her roots through the beautiful art of dance and song and has decided to take it to the next level through pageantry. Tiare is the current Miss St.George 2021 and is also the current Miss Southern Utah Teen USA 2022 where she won the ‘People's Choice Award’ and ‘Miss Congeniality’. Like the crown she wears she carries her Samoan culture with pride wherever she goes.
Ashlyn Condie
Ashlyn was born and raised in beautiful southern Utah. She joined Siva Pasefika 20 years ago when it was very first created and has been with it ever since. She has enjoyed seeing its progression over the years from small family shows, to beautiful large scale productions. She feels honored to have participated in many fundraising benefit luaus, community services and public events. Siva Pasefika has become a family to her and she enjoys spending time with them outside of practices and shows. When she is not dancing she enjoys being out in nature, reading books and spending time with friends and family. She is looking forward to many many more years with this wonderful group.
Jessica Loo
Born on the beautiful island of OÊ»ahu, Jessica spent her childhood bouncing between the islands and Utah before settling in Southern Utah in high school. Her love for Polynesian dance began as a little girl but she never got to fully embrace it until college when she had the incredible opportunity to dance with the Polynesian dance team at UVU in Orem, Utah. Soon after, she joined Siva Pasefika, where she danced for one season before taking a 12-year break to embrace my greatest role—motherhood.
"Mom" is her favorite title, but after navigating some of life’s hardest challenges, she found her way back to Polynesian dance, where she found healing and joy intertwine. Hula, in particular, has been a huge source of peace and renewal for her.
Beyond the stage, she's been a Master Esthetician since 2007, a career she adores because it allows her to care for other women, nurture their skin health, and be a listening ear when they need it most.
She feels deeply honored to be part of the Siva Pasefika family, surrounded by talented and beautiful souls who share the same passion—to honor our ancestors, celebrate our culture, and spread the spirit of aloha wherever we dance.
Sydney Despain
Sydney was born and raised in Southern Utah. She started her journey with Polynesian dance at age six and quickly fell in love. Over the years of dancing, she developed a passion for Polynesian dance and a deep respect for Pacific Island cultures. Sydney's love of performance stems from her desire to share her deep love of dance with her community hoping to inspire others to explore cultures outside of their own. Her career goals are centered around preserving ancient cultures and traveling the world while doing it. When she's not dancing, Sydney enjoys reading, spending time with loved ones, and crafting.
Ofa Pili
Ofa is a proud Tongan American from Florida who is currently attending college in St. George. In her free time, she enjoys working out, being outdoors, and cooking.
She loves dance as a form of meditation, expression, and joy. Through movement, Ofa connects with her ancestors and honors the generations to come. She hopes her performance will inspire the audience to cherish and preserve their family traditions through community, art and movement.
Eden Tagoa'i
Eden is of Samoan and Hawaiian descent and was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. Inspired by the grace and strength of her mother, grandmother, and aunty, she began her siva journey at the age of 12. What began as admiration for the women who shaped her life soon became a deep commitment to honoring her heritage through siva.
Throughout her journey, Eden has been guided by devoted teachers and cultural mentors who have helped refine her discipline, expression, and understanding of traditional Samoan movement. She credits her growth to the siva groups and leaders who nurtured her artistry and instilled in her a reverence for storytelling through dance.
Temehani Paepule
Temehani Paepule is originally from O’ahu, Hawai’i where she was raised in a family deeply rooted in dance and cultural expression. Growing up surrounded by movement, rhythm, and tradition, dance became a meaningful and lasting part of her identity from a young age. These early experiences shaped not only her passion for performance but also strengthened her connection to her culture and heritage.
She is currently a student at Utah Tech University where she is pursuing a degree in Business Management. Through her academic journey, Temehani continues to balance her educational goals with her lifelong love for dance, carrying forward the values of discipline, creativity, and cultural pride that have influenced her path.
Kalena Polu
Kalena Polu is an oldest sister, daughter, wife, and a proud woman of Tongan and Samoan descent. Raised in a family where music and dance were a way of life, Kalena grew up immersed in Polynesian culture through her grandpa’s band and a deep tradition of performance. That love for culture has stayed with her, shaping who she is and how she moves through the world. For Kalena, Siva Pasifika is more than a dance group—it’s a space to honor her roots, celebrate her people, and pass on the beauty, strength, and storytelling of Polynesian dance to the next generation.
Camille Maxwell
Camille’s love for music and dance started at a young age with her hobbies of ballet and musical theater. She has always had an interest in her culture, and once she discovered Siva Pasefika she was able to express her deepest love and passion for her roots through polynesian dance. Outside of the dance studio she enjoys hiking and photography, and she is currently focused on graduating and attending college to major in health sciences.
Heleyna Tutagalevao
Heleyna was born and raised in South Auckland, New Zealand and moved to St. George, Utah in 2022. Growing up, Pacific culture was all around her and moving to Utah, she quickly felt the difference. Because of that, dance became important to her. Performing with Siva Pasefika gave her a way to honor her roots.
It keeps her grounded and allows her to stay connected to where she came from. Dance has also become a special way for her to feel connected to her papa, who passed away in 2024. When she performs, she feels close to him and carries his love and influence with her.
She is currently graduating high school and has been called to serve in the Puerto Princesa Mission for her church. After her mission, she plans to attend the University of Utah and major in marketing. For her, dance is more than just performing, it is a way to preserve her culture and carry forward the traditions that have shaped who she is.
Leila Tufuga
Leila Tufuga was born and raised in St. George, Utah. Her dad is from the beautiful village of Aleisa, Samoa. From a young age, she has loved all things about her culture, especially Polynesian dancing. Her favorite thing about dancing is the connection she feels to her ancestors, especially her papa who passed away in 2017. She loves to watch football with her dad, play volleyball, dance, and just spend time at home with family.
Kamahina Hendricksen
Kamahina is from Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, and began dancing hula at a very young age. About two to three years ago, she expanded her passion for Polynesian dance by beginning Tahitian. She currently dances for Chiefs Lūʻau back on Oʻahu, where she performs in a variety of cultural showcases. While she enjoys all styles of dance, her heart will always belong to hula.
Her favorite part of performing is sharing her Hawaiian roots through movement — expressing the gracefulness of Ê»Auana, the fierceness of Kahiko, and the powerful storytelling woven into every motion. For Kamahina, hula is more than dance; it is a way to honor her ancestors and preserve her culture.
Outside of dance, Kamahina is a student at Utah Tech University, majoring in Nursing. She works as a CNA at St. George Rehab and aspires to become a Pediatric Nurse in the future. Performing at Siva Pasefika has given her the opportunity to stay deeply rooted in her culture while also sharing the beauty and strength of Polynesian traditions with audiences from around the world.
KANE
Dallin Keil
Dallin Keil is the oldest child and only son of Ron and April Te’o Keil (founder and creator of Siva Pasefika). He was born in Samoa and raised there for the first few years of his life. He has lived in Hawaii and Fiji, but later settled with his family in St. George, Utah. As leader of the wolfpack, Dallin is the instructor and choreographer for Siva Pasefika’s men (Team Mana) and boys (Team Tamatoa) groups. Prior to Siva, he was a full time performer in Branson, Missouri for the Island Fire Show. He later moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to perform alongside world fire knife champions, the Lavata’i brothers, who trained him in the art of the Siva Afi (Fire Knife). Together they opened Polynesian Fire Productions Luau, performing at various resorts full time 6 days a week for 4 years. This is where he met his wife Stephanie. Not only does he DJ occasionally, but he is the owner of Rootz Barbershop and a busy dad.
Spencer Taiti
Spencer is of Samoan and Tahitian descent and was born in San Diego, California and raised partially in Utah. It is here in Utah that Spencer learned and fell in love with Polynesian dancing. Performing and representing his culture in the form of dance first started out as a hobby, and has now become one of his deepest passions. He steps in and assists with instructing the male dancers of Siva Pasefika and doesn’t shy away from assisting the female dancers as he is gifted with the ability to do both.
Tui Magalogo
Tui Magalogo was born and raised in Western Samoa. He grew up in the village of Pesega / Vaimoso where he was taught traditional Samoan dances. In 2007 he left Samoa and came to the States where he lived in Wyoming. He later moved to Utah where he met his wife and was introduced to Siva Pasefika. He has been with Siva Pasefika for the past two years and is one of our newest certified fire performers. He enjoys the constant learning of his heritage through Siva Pasefika and performing dances from the different islands of Polynesia.
Raymond Amosa
Raymond witnessed his parents captivate crowds as they performed as the famous ‘Samoa Sisters’ and the ‘Nifoloa’ Bands.He played Maui in a St George parade for the Siva Pasefika float that took first place. It is here that Raymond instantly fell in love with the Aloha spirit that Siva Pasefika emulates and later joined as a performer for Team Mana. Raymond picked up a Samoan warrior knife and became ‘Chief Amosa from Samoa’ performing the Siva Afi.Siva Pasefika has become more than a dance group; they have become family to not only him but to his loving wife Taylor and their two beautiful daughters Taytum and Jayde.
Leighton Nihoa Kahaleonalani Kaonohi lll
Nihoa just recently returned from serving a two year mission for his church. A huge portion of his upbringing was on the beautiful North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Polynesian dance, more specifically the Hula, has been a huge part of his life. Regardless of where he lived he would perform with his family in hopes of sharing and carrying on his Hawaiian heritage.
Sione Makoni
Sione was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sione’s Polynesian cultural background comes from the friendly Islands of Tonga. Currently a student at DSU, he is majoring in exercise science in hopes to be an educator in the physical education world. Polynesian dance has always been a hobby as well as an outlet to relieve the stresses of everyday life. Being with the Siva Pasefika Aiga has allowed him to showcase his deep love for his Tongan roots and appreciate the other islands of the South Pacific. He feels blessed to be able to represent his culture and heritage and hopes that by doing so it will spark the new generation to keep their roots alive and to be proud to perform it when the opportunity arises. “Ofa Lahi Atu!”
Kekoa Afualo
Kekoa Afualo is from the Island of St George. Utah is his home. His mother is from Laie, Hawaii and his father is from American Samoa, but both migrated to the States to further their education. Although Kekoa was raised in Utah his whole life, he feels that Siva Pasefika has given him the amazing opportunity to learn and experience his culture in priceless ways. He expresses “I’ve been blessed to perform at many different venues over the past year including the OC Tanner Amphitheater in Springdale, the Mid Valley Performing Arts Center in SLC, the Tuacahn Amphitheater and many others.” He is beyond excited to share a piece of each Polynesian Island with you.
Nick Soli
Nick has been dancing for the past 8 years, and it started from something deeper than just wanting to learn—Nick wanted a way to feel connected to his dad after he passed. Dance became that connection. It gave him a way to stay close to his dad, to understand his roots, and to express things he couldn’t always put into words.
Over time, dance has become more than just movement to him. It’s a way to honor his culture, his family, and the values he was raised on. Nick's culture means everything to him—it represents strength, respect, love, and identity. Every time he steps on stage, he carries that with him.
He chose to perform because it allowed him to share that story and that feeling with others. He hopes that through his dancing, he can inspire others to embrace their culture and find their own reasons to be proud of who they are.
Being part of Siva Pasefika means a lot to Nick, because it's given him the opportunity to continue growing, represent his culture, and honor the reason he started in the first place.
Jonah Lee Palelei Lutui
Jonah is 18 years old and has grown up performing with Siva Pasifika. Two of his greatest passions are his Polynesian culture and performing. As a modern day Tongan warrior, Jonah loves sharing the vibe of the friendly islands through the Tongan dances and the energy of Meda Butu. The Fijian section reminds Jonah of his own spiritual and physical strength and that he can overcome any obstacle. In his young life, Jonah has had a lot of experience competing athletically and performing in various shows as a drummer, dancer, singer, guitarist, and pianist. After a traumatic brain injury during a football game in 2017 that ended his ability to participate in contact sports, he has focused and developed his talents as a performer. He landed his first job in the Tony Awarded Shakespeare Festival as Jerome’ in Roger’s and Hammerstein’s South Pacific. He is known for his tender heart and smooth deep voice. He credits his strength to God and his family and considers his greatest motivation for constant improvement to be his sister, Tava, who never lets him take the easy way. He resides with her and his parents, Amber and Sam, in Southern Utah.
Aisake Vuikadavu
Born and raised in Fiji, Aisake remembers being bribed with popsicles to dance to radio music and then was later taught traditional Fijian dances. He has performed these traditional dances around the world in countries like Egypt, South Africa, the Caribbean and across several states. He performed with the BYU Living Legends at the Opening Ceremonies for the 2002 Winter Olympics in SLC. He’s a former Zumba instructor and loves to travel with his wife and two daughters.
Lokahi Vuikadavu
Lokahi was born in Hawaii and raised in Fiji where he was blessed with opportunities to learn and perform traditional Fijian dances. His older brother took the time to teach him these dances, and he started his performing career at church activities and his secondary school.He truly feels blessed and recognizes God’s hand in his performing career as he was able to perform at the Opening Ceremonies for the South Pacific Games in Fiji, the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii, with the BYU Living Legends in China and several states as well as with Tourism Fiji.He is grateful for family and loves his beloved daughter, his fiance, and her daughter.
