Naseili Tamwoy is a proud Fijian and Torres Strait Islander man with strong connections to Badu Island (Tamwoy), Darnley Island (Pitt), and Fijian Heritage (Uluiburotu). Born and raised in Mackay, Naseili grew up in a very cultural and talented family, watching his family members perform traditional Island dances at big events. His Uncle Patrick Thaiday was his mentor and encouraged him to pursue dance as a professional career.
Naseili started dancing in workshops at PCYC with Uncle Patrick Thaiday and from 2020 to 2024 he performed Contemporary Torres Strait Islander dances in Mackay as well as travelling Queensland performing at numerous events and shows. In 2024 Naseili joined a cultural dance group, Mackay Torres Strait Islander Cultural Dance Group with Aunty Seba Bourne and Uncle Palai Mabo, performing traditional Island dances from the Eastern Islands Mer (Murray Island), Stephen Island and also Western Islands (Boigu Island). The group entered the Sydney Dance Rites competition in 2024 and went on to win the competition and the top prize of $20,000.
Naseili’s interest in dance as a career was boosted by this, as well as watching his best friend Joshua Yow Yeh perform with Uncle Patrick and join NAISDA. Since joining NAISDA in 2025 Naseili has performed under the direction of Katina Olsen and Jasmin Sheppard in NAISDA’s 2025 Mid-Year Show. Naseili performed in Echoing The Future, directed by Charles Korenho, featuring in Save My Files, Choregraphed by Blake Escott.
Naseili aspires to build a career and inspire future generations. He wants to grow as a dancer and evenutally share his culture on professional stages.