When Abbey Tufue-Wood started planning her wedding, she had more on her to-do list than to choose flowers and cakes. She was also needed to learn how to dance. But not just any dance, a Siva.
“Doing the Siva was a way for me to show my respect for my husband's culture and to honor his family,” said Abbey.
Learning the traditional Samoan dance was going to take practice. As a full-time teacher, she wasn’t sure how she would fit it into her busy schedule.
She asked for help from two Samoan girls in her class. "They were very keen, gathered a few of their other friends and sisters and got to work creating the dance for me. They came up with the moves in their own time and then would teach me during one lunchtime a week over the term."
Abbey considered asking her future sisters-in-law to help but was worried she wouldn't see them often enough to really master the dance. "These girls have a strong connection to their cultural heritage so were very capable and excited to teach me and help me learn more about their culture. They were also extremely excited that I was marrying a Samoan man," laughed Abbey.
For three months the girls worked with Abbey on the custom dance. “I am not a natural dancer so they were very patient with me,” she Abbey.
Finally, the big day came. Abbey's groom and immediate family knew she'd been working on learning the Siva, but many wedding guests were surprised and touched by the gesture. And everyone was blown away by the act of love and connection.Watch the video above to see a bride honor her husband's family by performing a traditional Samoan dance at their wedding.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Students help teacher learn custom siva Samoa for wedding
