Laga\u2019aia, the daughter of Samoan-Kiwi actor Jay Laga\u2019aia, played the part of the taupou (ceremonial maiden) during a dance known as the taualuga. The young actress, whose traditional ensemble included a large headpiece called a tuiga, performed the Samoan siva (dance) with beauty and grace.<\/p>\n
Speaking to Good Morning America later, Johnson explained the way in which he danced in support of his co-star. The dance is known in Samoan custom as \u2018aiuli. His two young daughters \u2013 Jasmine and Tiana Johnson \u2013 also took to the stage, showing off their own Samoan siva skills in support of the Moana actress.<\/p>\n
Catherine Laga’aia performs onstage during the Moana world premiere at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California. Photo \/ Getty Images for Disney<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me to [be wearing] the pale and the ie toga, it\u2019s very traditional, and it can be very emotional as well,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo have Catherine, who is our Moana … do what she did at this very young age \u2013 where the entire film and pressure of being Moana is on her shoulders \u2013 I\u2019m so proud of her. I\u2019m so proud of our culture as well. Everybody showed up.\u201d<\/p>\n
Johnson often speaks about his pride in his Samoan roots and his love for his mother, Ata Johnson. He hails from the district of Falealili, on the main island of Upolu.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a privilege to share our culture with the world,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut also the representation of our culture. It\u2019s also a shared culture \u2013 there\u2019s values in our Polynesian culture that are shared around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
Disney\u2019s Live-Action Moana comes out almost 10 years after the original Disney Moana film was released at the end of 2016<\/a>.<\/p>\n