Siva Maia Polynesian Dancers

Siva Maia started in May 2011 as part of the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebration. Most of the dancers are connected to Davis-Monthan Air Force and are active duty members, retired military, family members, as well as military brats. They come from Hawaii, Samoa, Guam, Philippines, and mainland USA. All members help choreograph dances, which represent the diverse cultures of Tahiti, Hawaii, Guam, Philippines, Samoa, New Zealand and the United States. The matriarch of the group is Marie Lankford, called “Auntie” by the younger dancers, a respectful title for elders. Marie has been dancing Polynesian dances for over 20, learning from master teachers, or Kumu.