Analyzing Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Dance: The Sāmoan Fa’ataupati and Sāsā

Analyzing Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Dance: The Sāmoan Fa’ataupati and Sāsā

The fa’ataupati (fa-ah-tau-pah-tee) and the sāsā are two forms of dance from the Polynesian islands of Sāmoa. While these dances have transformed into energetic and passionate performances showcased around the world, their significance in reflecting the Sāmoan culture and community still sits at their foundations. In this lesson plan, students will analyze various print and digital resources about the fa’ataupati and the sāsā to learn about the elements of the dances and to complete a note-taking graphic organizer.

Lesson Objectives:

1. Understand the elements of the Sāmoan sāsā dance.

2. Analyze the sāsā dance based on different sources.

3. Gather and organize information from various print and digital sources.

4. Understand the elements of the Sāmoan fa'ataupati dance.

5. Analyze the fa'ataupati dance based on different sources.

6. Gather and organize information from various print and digital sources.

This lesson plan kit includes:

• Video Links

• Resources Links

• Google Slides

• Activities Templates

Essential Questions:

1. What is the Sāmoan sāsā?

2. What is the Sāmoan fa'ataupati?

3. How does the fa'ataupati compare to the sāsā?

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The standards covered in this lesson are: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3-5.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3-5.8

Lesson plan created by Leiana Talo Lepule in partnership with OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates

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