08/11/2026
Akanesi A. Kulī I don’t even know where to start.
When I first started thinking about having LaVetta participate in this competition, I was honestly intimidated. I really wanted to do it, but I wasn’t completely sure it could be pulled off or even knew where to begin.
You were the one who encouraged me to do it. You answered my questions, helped me figure things out along the way, and somehow made this whole thing feel possible.
And then there’s LaVetta. 🤣 She is absolutely the kind of student who will test every last ounce of patience you have. But you never stopped working with her, encouraging her, and finding ways to bring out the best in her.
You have such a gift for tauʻolunga and for creating beautiful movement. The choreography you gave her was so graceful and carried so much reverence for the art. Watching you teach her the little details, her hands, her expressions, her timing, her movement, made me appreciate even more how much talent and love you have for tauʻolunga.
And it wasn’t only the dancing. You took the time to thoughtfully construct meaningful, poetic introductions for both her teunga and her tauʻolunga, making sure the words carried the meaning, culture, and story behind what she was presenting.
There were many hours sacrificed and miles driven. You gave us so much of your time while raising five kids and caring for a tiny little newborn. There were so many practices, messages, adjustments, and little things you did behind the scenes that most people will never see.
I’m also so grateful for your sister, Leni and sister-in-law. They spent countless hours sewing heilala, helping construct and finish the costume, working through all the little details, and then showing up when it mattered to help support LaVetta, get her dressed, and make sure everything came together.
It feels like there is no way for me to repay everything you’ve done for LaVetta and for me. But luckily, I know you’re as crazy as I am. 😂 So I have a feeling there will eventually be some event, costume, project, or wild idea that gives me the chance to return at least a small part of everything you’ve given us.
We love you and are so grateful for you. 🌺🤍 Thank you for giving LaVetta confidence in her Tongan culture, and for giving me more confidence in mine too. You gave us more than a dance or a competition experience. You helped us feel more connected to something we get to carry with us long after the stage is gone. 🥹🇹🇴🌺❤️