Polynesian Dance Class — Candace Iafeta teaches a womens Polynesian dance class at Copa Craze. Photo taken August 24th, 2023. [Bryan Mordt]

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LOOK: Dancers bring South Pacific to Maricopa

Aug 30, 2023

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A local dance class has ladies of all ages in Maricopa expressing emotion through their arms, hands and hips — with a South Pacific twist.

Polynesian Dance Maricopa LLC is bringing the art of hula dance to Copa Craze this fall.

The Polynesian dance classes explore moves from Tahiti, Hawaii, Tonga, Samoa and New Zealand.

“It’s a fun, upbeat dance for the girls to enjoy many of the fun dances of Polynesia in one,” said program director Candace Iafeta.

The dance outfit also attended the Copa Cultural Night Market in August.

View a photo gallery by InMaricopa‘s Bryan Mordt:

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Copa Craze hosts a Polynesian dance class for girls on August 17th, 2023. [Bryan Mordt]

Copa Craze hosts a Polynesian dance class taught by Candace Iafeta on August 17th, 2023. [Bryan Mordt]

Copa Craze hosts a Polynesian dance class on August 17th, 2023. [Bryan Mordt]

Polynesian Passion: 9-year-old Breanna Bunte sways to the music on August 17th, 2023. [Bryan Mordt]

From L to R: Sylvia Ashlin, Helena Cronin, and Lucinda Ashlin pose with a freshly made waffle on August 17th, 2023. [Bryan Mordt]

Lucinda Ashlin, 33 poses for a photo taken August 17th, 2023. [Bryan Mordt]

Waffles being made in the back of Copa Craze. [Bryan Mordt]

The pass thru window at Copa Craze. Photo taken August 17th, 2023. [Bryan Mordt]

Copa Craze's bar and counter area. [Bryan Mordt]

Helena Cronin, 8, enjoys a freshly made waffle. Photo taken August 17th, 2023. [Bryan Mordt]

Candace Iafeta teaches a womens Polynesian dance class at Copa Craze. Photo taken August 24th, 2023. [Bryan Mordt]

The womens Polynesian dance class from Copa Craze. From L to R: Deirdre Vella, Kaui Wilson, Shylo Carr, Candace Iafeta, Jennifer Smith, Melissa Bunte, Joann Villapa. Missing: Bonnie Sawyer, Connie Losier. Photo taken August 24th, 2023. [Bryan Mordt]

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Brian Petersheim Jr., Reporter

Brian became part of the InMaricopa team in October 2020, starting as a multimedia intern with a focus on various multimedia tasks. His responsibilities included file organization and capturing photos of events and incidents. After graduating from Maricopa High School in the class of 2021, his internship seamlessly transitioned into a full-fledged job. Initially serving as a dedicated photographer, Brian's role evolved in October 2021 when he took on a new beat as a writer. He is currently pursuing his studies at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Brian's primary focus lies in covering public safety-related stories. In his free time, Brian finds joy in spending quality time with his family and embarking on adventures to explore the landscapes around him.

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