Phoenix Performing Arts was founded by Siosiua Tofua’ipangai and Shiara Astle in 2002. Siosiua’s daughter ‘Ilaisa Lin-mei Lafitani joined the company soon after with the support of Shiara’s mother Luseane Astle (aka Tuita-Nakao). Kerry Tucker’s support in acquainting us with whoever out there could help us, will always be remembered.

The company was originally known as ‘Phoenix Dance Company’ but then changed in early 2005 to ‘Phoenix Performing Arts’.

PPA is at the moment self funded with the love and support of its committed members and there are plans in the very near future to get government funding support as the company rapidly grows.

Dance classes first began in Siua’s lounge room, then moved on to Youth in the City and from there to the Hatchery at Gorman House. Lots of practice still happens weekly in Siua’s lounge room as the Hatchery only gives us one day a week. There is a hope that one day PPA will have its own studio with unlimited time and room for artists to work in.

Siua was introduced to dance whilst at Atenisi University in Tonga in 1988. Arriving in Australia for further studies, he then performed as a solo Pacific Island dancer here and overseas. In 1997 Siua became seriously ill and on recovery became wheelchair bound. Dance still stayed prominent in Siua’s life but hopes of forming a dance school had begun to fade to the background until 2002 when he met Shiara.

Shiara’s background is classical ballet and meeting Siua was intentional as she had been searching for a dance school for Pacific Island dance. Since injuring herself and unable to continue ballet, connecting herself to her cultural dances seemed a natural progression.

Siua’s sister Kuinivia McCloud also came on board to teach the Middle Eastern dances and her drumming has always been inspirational.

At present, Siua has brought PPA dancers and staff to the point whereby they are continuously involved with choreographing exciting new works, which is a wonderful place for the company to be in.

Please read more about Siua, and other company members’ profiles in the Dancer’s Profile pages. Read about Siua’s history and his amazing story of recovery. We also believe you will enjoy getting to know others in the company through visiting this website, and to share with them their hopes and dreams for the future as members of PPA. We invite you also to write to us and let us know what you think about the website and the what PPA are doing.

Phoenix Performing Arts was under the auspice of the Australian Choreographic Centre ACT for four years. We are grateful for the beautiful studio at the Hatchery, compliments of the Australian Choreographic Centre. Now, we run our weekly classes at the Bommerang Hall of the Currong Apartments in Allarwa Court, Braddon.