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Season Two Episode Two
Nex Gen
Utah has the largest proportion of young people in the nation — and that next generation is making an impact on the world. See how Malialole, a Polynesian music & dance group, is preserving its culture, meet 18-year-old classical composer & conductor, Maya Miro Johnson, and learn how State Street Boxing Gym helps local youth not only hone their boxing skills, but keeps them on the path to success.
Stories from this Episode
Malialole
Merine “Vida” Tu’itama’alelagi Hafoka and her son Haviar “Havi” Tuitama Hafoka run Malialole, a Polynesian music and dance group that celebrates and preserves Pacific Islander art, culture, and history. Now three generations strong, Malialole is spreading Polynesian culture to today’s youth, helping to foster a sense of identity and strengthen the community of Pacific Islanders in Utah.
Maya Miro Johnson
There aren’t many 18-year-olds like Maya Miro Johnson. Originally trained as a dancer, a fated broadcast from Carnegie Hall inspired her next passion — music composition & conducting. Maya joined the National Youth Orchestra, and began attending a young composer’s workshop at the age of 14. Though she’s fond of the avant-garde, Maya says her favorite piece is the sound of the orchestra warming up.
State Street Boxing Gym
For former boxing champion David Mario Ramos, being a coach, mentor, father figure, counselor, or therapist is all part of a day’s work. The owner of the State Street Boxing Gym not only coaches local youth on their form, but also works to keep his pro-boxers-to-be out of trouble and on the path to success.
