 For nearly 50,000 years, dances and songs have been an expression of Pacific Islanders  origins, their journeys, their struggles - their very existence. These are their "dance stories" - their DANCES OF LIFE. Keisha Castle-Hughes (Whale Rider) narrates. Today, Pacific Islanders are struggling to maintain their identity and traditions. Dance is central to these efforts; for centuries it has remained one of the most powerful vehicles for transmitting culture. DANCES OF LIFE expands the boundaries of the Pacific, bringing cultural and historical dance stories to communities around the globe.