Polynesian cultural representation
Hiva Katoa at the San Diego County Fair 2025
Hiva Kātoa graced the stage at the 2025 San Diego County Fair.
CategoryMovement
LocationDel Mar Fairgrounds
Year2025
Context
A case study held around people, place, and the atmosphere around the frame.
Hiva Kātoa’s 2025 San Diego County Fair performance was more than a stage show. It was Pacific Islander culture taking up space in one of San Diego’s most visible community gatherings — through dance, drums, family, and the next generation carrying tradition forward.
Hiva Kātoa at the San Diego County Fair documents a Pacific Islander dance community sharing culture on one of San Diego’s most public stages. Photographed both on stage and behind the scenes, this series captures the power of performance, the intimacy of preparation, and the community bonds that carry Polynesian traditions forward. Rather than focusing only on the final presentation, the work looks at the full story: dancers preparing, families gathering, costumes being adjusted, and performers stepping into the rhythm of something larger than themselves.
Credits
Made with cultural trust and editorial care.
PhotographyDominic Blas