AUDIENCES can take an adventure in the Pacific Islands next month without leaving Sydney. This will be because the Polynesian Dance Company will stage its debut concert at Rooty Hill High School at 6pm on Friday, December4.

Thirty company members aged4 to 20 will display acting, singing and dancing talents in The Trip of a Lifetime to the South Pacific.

Pilots and air stewards will take the audience on a trip around Pacific nations, including New Zealand, Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands.

The three-hour production is written and choreographed by Sydney-Rella Pihema, who formed the Polynesian Dance Company this year after she realised there was a need for local children of Polynesian descent to take pride in their heritage.

Ms Pihema said parents and teachers had been supportive. ``This is important because it gives local kids something positive to do, boosts their self-confidence and helps them take pride in their culture. It's a part of their identity and of who they are.''

The group runs drama and singing classes on Tuesdays and Polynesian dancing on Thursday afternoons at Dawson Public School at 4pm.

The concert will include a performance from Samoan musician/composer Lauvale Sua.

Tickets: $5 (adults), $2 (children).

Details: 96757785.