KUINI: Faiva, Femininity & Legacy
By Lyncia Muller
Part of the Pacific Dance Festival 2025 Double Bill
“You lay down obligations only in the grave.”
– Her Majesty Queen Sālote Tupou III
What does it mean to carry legacy through movement?
In KUINI, choreographer Lyncia Muller brings to life the story of one of Tonga’s most revered figures — Her Majesty Queen Sālote Tupou III, a monarch remembered not only for her leadership, but for her poetry, music, and unwavering cultural vision.
A Dance Work Rooted in Faiva Fakatonga
More than a tribute, KUINI is a bold and moving interpretation of the Queen’s words, spirit, and influence — told through tau‘olunga, contemporary dance, and visual storytelling. The work honours Queen Sālote’s creative legacy while asking: What does it mean for this generation to inherit the responsibility of cultural leadership through art?
Lyncia Muller blends traditional Tongan movement vocabulary with modern choreographic technique, using the body as a vessel to hold both reverence and rebellion, grace and grounding. The result is a stunning piece of dance that carries the soul of Tongan faiva — art as identity, art as service, art as storytelling.
Why Queen Sālote Matters — Then and Now
Queen Sālote Tupou III is remembered as a cultural matriarch whose influence extended far beyond her royal duties. Unlike many depictions of Western monarchs, Queen Sālote was a poet, composer, cultural guardian, and public intellectual — using her platform not only to govern but to preserve and elevate Tongan identity, language, and faiva.
Her poems and songs tell deeply personal stories — of grief, love, political change, and cultural responsibility — offering rare insight into what it means to lead with humility and creative power. She ruled not from distance, but with emotional intelligence, relational leadership, and a deep understanding of her people’s values.
Today, her words continue to inspire not just Tongans or the diaspora, but anyone who seeks strength in cultural identity, and who believes in leadership grounded in service, not status.
The Power of Fusion: Traditional Meets Contemporary
One of the most significant aspects of KUINI is how it brings together traditional forms like tau‘olunga with contemporary dance practice — not as a contrast, but as a conversation.
For many Pacific peoples, especially those living in the diaspora, this fusion of old and new is essential. It becomes a way to preserve our languages, retell our ancestral stories, and reclaim cultural identity in modern environments. By placing tradition in dialogue with innovation, works like KUINI allow younger generations to see themselves reflected — not just in the past, but in the present and future of Pacific art.
In this way, the stage becomes a space of cultural continuity — where our artforms evolve, but our values endure.
From MOANA to KUINI: Lyncia Muller’s Creative Journey
This is not Lyncia Muller’s first time commanding the Pacific Dance Festival stage. Her choreographic voice first emerged as part of the MOANA Showcase, where she was recognised for her powerful stage presence and innovative blend of tradition and contemporary movement.
A proud Tongan dance artist and creative practitioner, Lyncia has built a career dedicated to exploring Pacific identity through performance. Her work has been shaped by academic research, community engagement, and a deep connection to her heritage. With KUINI, she steps into her next chapter — bringing all of her experience, emotion, and intent to the forefront in this landmark solo work.
Why You Should Experience KUINI
KUINI is part of a Double Bill alongside Shapes in the Clouds by Tauveve Andy Tilo-Faiaoga — a performance format where two full-length works are presented in one evening, offering contrasting and complementary perspectives on Pacific movement and storytelling.
This show will resonate with:
- Pacific women and girls who see themselves in Queen Sālote’s strength and Lyncia’s artistry
- Cultural leaders and creatives seeking stories that honour ancestral knowledge
- Tongan communities who carry pride in their unique art forms
- Diaspora audiences looking to reconnect with identity through language, movement, and music
- Dance lovers and supporters of contemporary Pacific performance
- Students, families, and heritage fans wanting to witness faiva in a new light
Book Your Tickets Now
Tuesday 10 June & Wednesday 11 June at 7:00 PM
Māngere Arts Centre – Ngā Tohu o Uenuku
Don’t miss this moving tribute to Tongan excellence, feminine strength, and Pacific legacy. Come celebrate KUINI — and bring the next generation with you.
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