Editor’s Note: This article was written for Mosaic, an independent journalism training program for high school students who report and photograph stories under the guidance of professional journalists.

Crisp rhythms and low tones from traditional Tahitian drums echoed through the Chase Center as more than 50 performers from Lōkahi Polynesian Dance Group took center-court before tip-off, draped in bright blue garb and sporting broad smiles.

The San Francisco arena, home to the Golden State Warriors, hosted Polynesian Heritage Night on Jan. 23 during a game against the Chicago Bulls. San Jose-based Lōkahi, consisting of young performers ages 5 to 30, captivated fans with a dynamic display of traditional dance and music. The performance included a routine to the uplifting melodies of Élise Tahua’s “Tane Manu” and live drumming of Polynesian wooden percussion instruments such as the pahu, taripau, fa’atete and to’ere.

Performers of the Te Pura O Te Rehura’a dance group complete their routine for Polynesian Heritage Night in front of a sold out crowd at Chase Center on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 in San Francisco. (Maxwell Alexander/Mosaic) 

The group began their preparation for the pre-game exhibition several months in advance, learning and rehearsing choreography and designing visual elements like costumes – a collaborative process living up to the group’s name.

“There’s a lot of teamwork that came together, and that’s my favorite part about Lōkahi, which means unity,” said dancer Clarissa Ballalo, 33.

Jasmine Lewis was preparing for her first Warriors game performance. She said her experience was a combination of adrenaline, nervousness and excitement to share her love for traditional Polynesian dance.

“What was going through my head was, ‘Am I smiling enough?’ I’m going to make sure I’m doing the right move, I need to push my hips out more – enough to make sure I’m really giving the essence of Polynesian culture and to make sure that when the audience sees me, they are seeing that Polynesian culture represented through me,” she said. Lewis, 28, has been performing with Lōkahi for one year.

For many of the night’s dancers, performing in a large venue such as at the Warriors game was not new, but the experience still meant emotions were high.

Lōkahi performer Olina Puaali, 15, had been dancing for three years prior to Thursday night’s event. “I think it was nerve-racking. But being my third year, I was super excited,” she said.

Halftime entertainment was provided by South San Francisco-based Polynesian dance troupe Te Pura O Te Rahura’a, a branch of the Spark of Creation dance studio. With more than 70 dancers, the troupe took to the court with a vibrant ori Tahiti routine, a traditional Tahitian dance form.

Marilou Lafon said that she viewed the occasion as a way to unite the Polynesian community. Her group had performed before, but “we just love participating in Polynesian Heritage Night,” she said. “It’s such a wonderful opportunity for us to share our love for the Polynesian culture.” Lafon has served as the artistic director of Spark of Creation Studio for 19 years.

Even for performers who do not identify as Polynesian, participating in traditional dances at events helps them engage with the culture and foster a sense of respect.

Shanna Pineda, who has Filipino roots, is a hula and ori Tahiti instructor at Spark of Creation Studio. “As a dancer and a choreographer, I feel connected to the culture because I am able to learn from other artists who are from Hawaii and Tahiti, so it really helps me deepen my appreciation and my knowledge,” said Pineda, who has been dancing for more than 30 years.

Eliana Rivera, 18, performed with Te Pura O Te Rahura’a and said she sees dance as a medium to share her traditions with diverse audiences. “I feel like I’m dancing the footsteps of my ancestors and really representing the culture because the language is also dying out,” she said. “So, in a way, I’m representing and storytelling when I’m dancing.”

Nanki Kaur is a senior at American High School in Fremont.