We are a 501c3 organization. The purposes of PACIFIC TALENT ACADEMY OF THE ARTS, INC. sister organization to Fireknife of Samoa, and (the Corporation") is to educate, preserve and perpetuate the Performing Arts of the Islands of Polynesia in songs & dances by organizing free workshops, performances at community and cultural events; targeting low income, at risk, under-served Polynesian, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders and other ethnic backgrounds PTAA originally conceived its vision, in rememberance of the legacy of Paramount Chief Uluao "Freddie" Letuli, the Father of the Fireknife Dance. History has stated they nicknamed him "Freddie" because he was known to dance like Fred Astaire. Chief Letuli originated the fire knife dance in 1946 at the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Prior to that time he traditionally danced with two knives in Hawaii and Los Angeles and become inspired to add fire to this dance after seeing a gypsy eating fire. During the late 40's, the 50's, and the 60's, Freddie Letuli performed with his many different dance troupes throughout the United States and Europe. Originally, he used only his name: "Freddie Letuli and the Flaming Sword of Samoa" to showcase his talents and the island of Samoa that he so loved. To achieve the goals of teaching Traditional Songs, Samoan Fireknife, Hawaiian Hula & Praise Dancing and Tahitian (Ori) Dance traditional songs and chants of Polynesia. PTAA will be hosting a series of monthly auditions and workshops throughout the year and end its festivities at their main event called “Weekend in Polynesia” that will take place at Pearson Park Amphitheater, a well known community venue in Anaheim, CA, August 30 - September 1, 2012.