Evaloni “Eva” Fonua, age 13, of Sacramento, California, is a dedicated student of the tau’olunga—a prominent cultural dance performed by Tongan women. She is a member of Tau’olunga Talents of Funga Mohuhefá ‘o e Mapu ‘a Vaeá—a group founded by Mele Tautala Masima who perpetuates the tau’olunga and teaches it to young Tongan girls of the Bay Area who were born and raised outside of Tonga. Eva excelled in tau’olunga very quickly and soon became one of the more advanced performers of the group.

Although small in number the tau’olunga group became recognized and supported by the Honorable Lord and Lady Vaea of Houma, Tonga. Their daughter, Heimana, was an honored guest at one of the group’s recital and showcase in 2018. Heimana was so impressed that she invited the group to perform a solo and group tau’olunga at her marriage kava ceremony in November of 2019. The group felt very honored but also very nervous as they later learned that they would perform in the presence of Princess Lātūfuipeka, daughter of King Tupou VI of Tonga.

Eva was chosen from the group to perform the solo tau’olunga at this very honorable occasion. Although she was well tutored and prepared by her punake (teacher), she still experienced a lot of anxiety up to the day and moment. Just before her performance she was to present the Princess with a sila (gift) and according to protocol, Eva was to walk up towards HRH, stop about 10 feet away and bow, lowering herself to the floor and then gently offer up the sila. However, as Eva started to bow, the Princess signaled her to continue forward and present the sila directly into her hand instead, to which the Princess returned the gesture by giving Eva a kiss on the cheek, and therefore breaking traditional protocol. Since then, Eva has gained an endearing love and admiration for the Princess.

Today, for the Princess’ birthday on 17 November 2021, Eva dedicates another tau’olunga performance as her gift and tribute to HRH Princess Angelika “Lātūfuipeka” Halaevalu Mata'aho Napua-o-Kalani Tuku'aho.