For nearly 50,000 years dances and songs have been an expression of Pacific Islanders' origins, their journeys, their struggles - their very existence. These are their "dance stories" - their DANCES OF LIFE. Today Pacific Islanders are struggling to maintain their identity and traditions, and dance is central to these efforts. For centuries it has remained one of the most powerful vehicles for transmitting culture. We hear from cultural leaders and dance instructors as we watch authentically costumed native dancers perform each island's traditional dances with on-screen translations of the songs they are performing. Keisha Castle-Hughes (Whale Rider) narrates. Includes: New Zealand - meaning and performance of Haka and Poi Ball Dances. Paulau - First-Born Ceremony and Dances. Guam - Culture and Dances. American Samoa - Slap Dance, meaning of the Taualuga Dance and costume, the chosen Taupou Maiden. New Caledonia - Culture and Dances. (57 minutes)

Available on DVD for the first time and performed by the dancers of the remarkable Halau O Kekuhi, Holo Mai Pele tells the epic saga of the rivalry between Pelehonuamea, goddess of the volcano, and her youngest and favorite sister Hi'iakaikapoliopele. The one-hour performance weaves together archetypal themes of creation, love, and betrayal into a sweeping dramatic performance. This rare legacy of chants and dances as passed down through generations in Hawai'i was originally broadcast in an exciting adaptation for Dance In America on PBS. (56 min)

In ancient Hawaii, important occasions such as the birth of a child or a victory in wartime were celebrated with a grand feast. Today, that tradition is kept vibrantly alive at the Polynesian Cultural Center's Ali'i Luau, Hawaii's most authentic luau. Cousin Benny Kai narrates as we learn the history of this native custom, experience a step-by-step reenactment of the luau, royal ceremonies by authentically costumed ali'i, and food preparation. Then sit back and enjoy the traditional entertainment by beautifully costumed dancers performing kahiko and auana hula. Dances include: Hawaiian War Chant, Hauula Park Hula, Hawaii No Ka Oi, Not Pau, Nani O'ahu, My Tropical Baby, My Beautiful Hawaii, Aloha Oe, and the ukulele stylings of Benny Kai. Bonus Hula lesson teaches a simple routine to the song "Hukilau". (38 minutes)

Experience an evening at one of the most popular luaus on the Big Island. Spirited dancers, talented musicians and singers, authentic colorful costumes, and beautiful scenery all come together for an exciting show: dynamic Tahitian drum dances; Hawaii offers ancient Kahiko, implement, and cowboy hulas, "Hawaiian Wedding Song" and the lovely religious hula "Kanaka Wai Wai"; fierce Maori warriors do a haka dance with taiahas and the ladies twirl poi balls; Samoan dances and the amazing fire knife twirlers use 1 and 2 knives. Plus a 5 minute tour of the most famous Big Island sites. (58 minutes)

Na Puakea O Ko'olaupoko presents the traditional Uniki Aha'aina (graduation and celebration) held for Sandii Manumele Suzuki as Olapa (expert dancer) and Kathy Pumehana Igeta as Ho'opa'a (expert chanter). Kumu Kea and her haumana (students) join the two graduates as they demonstrate their mastery of numerous classic Hawaiian chants, hula, and the use of the various Hawaiian implements. Includes Ai La O Pele, Lili'u E, Kalakaua, Kaulilua, and many more. (58 minutes) 

Lovely Taina Passmore, one of Hawaii's most renowned choreographers, performs 4 different Hawaiian hulas in lush tropical surroundings. Wearing various beautiful authentic costumes she performs Aia La O Pele: an ancient chant accompanied by the Ipu Heke that tells of Pele, Goddess of the volcano; Hawaiian Wedding Song: a popular song performed at weddings throughout the islands; Blue Hawaii: the romantic song that tells of the power of the islands to make dreams come true; and Kaimana Hila: about the majestic beauty of Diamondhead. (18 minutes)

The New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute presents the group Te Amokura at Te Aronui-A-Rua. In their intricately carved meeting house, wearing dramatic authentic costumes they perform traditional songs & dances, plus brief explanations, views of wood carving, skirt making, & breathtaking scenery. E Te Rono, Powhiri, Te Arawa E, Uia Mai & Toia Mai & E Pari Ra (action songs), Pakete Whero (single short poi), Purerehua (double short poi), Tititorea (stick game), Haka (warrior dance), Double & Quadruple Long Poi, Po Ata Rau. (32 minutes)

An excellent presentation by the members of the Ngati-Rangiwewehi Tribe, leading exponents of Maori performing arts, and representatives of New Zealand at the "Te Maori" exhibit. Set against the backdrop of New Zealand's scenic wonders are dances, poi ball routines, tititorea, songs, and the traditional marae welcome. Also includes brief demonstrations of piupiu skirt making and jade carving. This video is short, but it compensates with brilliant photography, authentic costumes, professional performances, and dramatic settings.  (20 minutes)

Tenei Te Tau.. Hine E Hine.. Poi Waka " Hoea Ra".. Te Oriori.. Tititorea.. Pokarekare Ana.. Nga Poi Waeroa.. Te Haka Tu Taua

The group Kahurangi, graduates of the Takitimu Performing Arts School, presents an exciting poolside stage show. They have a unique, contemporary sound with powerful performances that blend traditional Maori costumes and music with a very spirited, modern style. Their songs, dances, haka (men's posture dance), long poi, and short poi routines are enhanced by dramatic lighting, fog, and pool reflections. This video was taped with many special editing effects such as multiple screen images, stop action, etc.  (25 minutes)