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Keeping the Dance Alive: The World of ASCACH’s Korina Seiuli Lee

October 7, 2026

Behind every arts education story is a person who shows up — often quietly, often for years — to open doors that might otherwise stay closed. At Creative West, our storytelling series turns the spotlight on the teaching artists, educators, and cultural leaders whose dedication ripples outward, reaching students, families, and entire communities across our region. Each spotlight offers an honest look at the vision, care, and persistence behind the work of expanding access to the arts.

As we wrap up our 2026 Arts Education Storytelling Series, we are humbled and so grateful for the opportunity to share these voices and the more creative future they’re helping build.

There is a word in Samoan culture for the kind of woman who carries her heritage like a crown: taupou. It means village princess — a young woman chosen to represent her community through dance, grace, and the weight of tradition. For Tuifa’asisina Korina Seiuli Lee, that word stretches beyond a title; it is a life’s calling.

Korina is a traditional Samoan dance instructor and traditional wear designer based in American Samoa, with her work extending to Apia, Samoa, and Auckland, New Zealand. For more than two decades, she has dedicated herself to preserving and perpetuating the Samoan Siva Fa’ataupou — one of the most revered traditional dance forms in Polynesian culture. Alongside her teaching, she designs and promotes the traditional 4-piece Tuiga Fafau, the princess headdress that has adorned Samoan taupou for generations. In Korina’s hands, these two art forms are inseparable. They are, together, an act of cultural devotion.

What are your creative/cultural/art practices?

My name is Tuifa’asisina Korina Seiuli Lee and I am a Traditional Samoan Dance Instructor. I am also a Traditional Wear Designer. My main focus is promoting Samoa’s Princess Headdress or the Traditional 4-pieces Tuiga Fafau.

Why do you teach?

I have been teaching traditional samoan dance to young women ranging from the ages of 2-18 since 1999. Along with traditional samoan dance I teach these young ladies how to carry themselves as princesses of Samoa, with grace and humility. I teach to help promote, perpetuate, and preserve our traditional Samoan Siva Fa’ataupou.

How did you get here?

My life has always been infused with the Samoan Performing Arts, proudly coming from the musically renowned Lē Au Salamo Family where I hold the high chief title, Tuifa’asisina. I have had a strong connection with Siva Samoa since I was a young girl. I lived across the road from the Papauta’s all girls school and watched as their Head Mistress Queen Salamasina, the sister to Samoa’s Head of State the late Malietoa Tanumafili, taught her craft. Queen Salamasina was one of the best at siva samoa, and it was truly life changing to watch her as she taught. That is when my passion for dance was first born. I chose to open up Le Taupou Manaia and teach dance because it is my passion and I want to continue to pass our traditional ways through the generations.

How do you see your work connecting to themes of democracy, wellbeing, and belonging?

My work creates a space where culture, community, and shared participation is valued. Democracy is reflected through the inclusion of different voices and generations, allowing members to contribute and learn from one another. Wellbeing is supported by strengthening emotional and social connections, building confidence, and creating a sense of pride in cultural identity. Belonging is especially important because my dance academy brings people together, helping members feel connected to their heritage and to a larger community while preserving Samoan traditions for future generations.

For Korina, preserving the Siva Fa’ataupou is an act of love offered, again and again, to the young women who will carry it next.

Learn more about Tuifa’asisina Korina Seiuli Lee:

Find out more on Facebook: Lē Taupou Manaia American Samoa | Lē Taupou Manaia Apia Samoa | Lē Taupou Manaia Auckland New Zealand | Measina Samoa

Instagram: @tuifaasisinakorina | @letaupoumanaia

Submitted by: Grace-Lee Tuiasosopo – Finance & Personnel Manager

Grace-Lee Tuiasosopo is an organizational leader from American Samoa who has served as a Finance & Personnel Manager, notably working with regional or governmental infrastructure in American Samoa. She belongs to a prominent Samoan family lineage and is active in community governance and preserving local history.

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