Julia Rosinitoba turns pain into purpose through dance

For Julia Rosinitoba, dance is more than performance — it is where she has found healing, purpose and the strength to keep moving forward as a single mother of two.

The contemporary dancer will take centre stage in the University of the South Pacific's Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies (OCACPS) production of Sina, which premieres on August 7-8.

The production marks the Centre's first major performance since December 2023 and officially relaunches its performing and musical arts programmes.

Originally from Kadavu, with maternal links to Savusavu, Julia's journey began as a young girl following the movements of her church dance group.

Today, she is a professional aerialist, actress and dancer with 12 years of experience at OCACPS.

She attended Arya Samaj Primary School, Suva Methodist Primary School and Saint Joseph's Secondary School, where Fiji's diverse cultures helped shape her artistic outlook.

Julia began her journey with the Oceania Dance Academy in 2016 before returning to the Centre in 2025 as a principal artist with the Oceania Dance Theatre.

Her career has grown alongside the challenges of raising two children on her own, with dance becoming an outlet for expressing emotions she says she could not always put into words.

"Like many dancers can relate to, I started in church, a little kid following the action and the dance group and the choir," she said.

"Contemporary art is my voice; my story is told through my creations. For those who know my work, they will know that it is very dark, very heavy, and painful—it is just me letting it out, all the past trauma."

"In the Pacific, and being the eldest, we are often told to suppress our emotions and always set a good example for our younger siblings. It is through art and dance that I find my peace."

Balancing rehearsals with parenthood often meant bringing her children to the Centre.

Now that they are older, Julia said they understand the sacrifices behind her work.

"Now that they have grown a bit older, when I come home with an injury or when I am tired, they know that mom is doing the best she can," she said.

"It is uplifting to see how proud my kids are of the work that I do and every day I continue to do that best I can for my kids."

In Sina, Julia plays Lasu, one of three spirits who guide the Tui Fiti on his journey to win Sina's heart.

As opening night approaches, she said years of discipline continue to drive her passion.

"In my 12 years, I have learned that if this is your passion, passion is something that you are willing to suffer for. It is 100% or nothing, and I am making sure I bring that spirit into the show."

Her message to other single mothers and young girls chasing their dreams is simple:

"Always try, and always show up."

Sina brings together the Centre's resident ensembles, the Oceania Dance Theatre and Pasifika Voices, while showcasing emerging performers from the Oceania Dance Academy.

The production will be staged at the Japan-Pacific ICT Lecture Theatre at USP's Laucala Campus on August 7 and 8 from 7pm.