Polynesian Dance Studio is an 'ohana (family) based studio featuring  a wonderful Polynesian dance program for families.
 
All classes will be combo classes so that students can learn the dances of Polynesia.  
I teach family-style.  There is also a lot of emphasis on culture and language.  
 
All students wear traditional costumes when performing.
 
Classes concentrate on theory, protocol, and practice.

Although we do not compete, students have the opportunity to perform for various  public and private events. 
 
 
Along with our Kinderhula division, we are the first
Polynesian dance studio in our area to offer hula and Tahitian geared for kids! Kinderhula classes include Baby Hula and Keiki Hula. We also offer classes for adults and Fitness Hula for families.
 
Newport News:
 
Classes are available on Wednesday's  at my studio at the Mariner Building in Newport News. Please contact me at 757.369.0996 for more information and registration.
  
 
Winter 2010/2011 Studio Class Schedule:
Monthly rate: $40 per student or $60 per 'ohana
 
Wednesdays
5 to 6 pm Baby Hula
6 to 7 pm Keiki Hula (if parks and rec classes are cancelled)
7 to 8 pm Hula for Teens and Adults
 
 
 
Classes are also available  via Newport
 
News Parks, Recreation, and Tourism 
 
* Please be sure that I am listed as the instructor for these classes to get an authentic cultural experience. I guarantee it. Learn from a real islandgirl! :) Mahalo nui loa!
 
* You will learn authentic Polynesian dance techniques, dance steps, and protocol.

* For example, some Hawaiian hula dance steps you/your child will learn correctly:

 
 
Fitness Hula
 
&
 
Hula and Tahitian for Kids (ages 5 to 17)
Rivervew Gymnastics Center Wednesdays 6 to 6:45 pm
 
Winter session: January 19, 2010, to March 23, 2011

 Classes for via Parks, Recreation, and Tourism in Newport News

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Na Ke`ehi I Ka Ha`a (hula steps)
'Ai ha`a
'Ai ami
'Ai ha'a
'Ai holo
'Akalewa
`Ami
'Ami kahela, 'ami poepoe
'Ami ku'upau, 'ami honua, 'ami hue
'Ami kuku
'Ami `oniu  
'Ami opu
'Aui
Ha'anapu
Hehi
Hela   
Holo  
Ho'oholu

 

 

 

 

Hue

 

 

 

 

Ka'apuni
Kahele
Kaholo
Kaholo Huli Hapaha
Kao
Kawelu, Kalakaua  
Kelamoku
Ki`i, Waewae Ki`i
Ki'i Kuhi
Ku'i
Ku'i Hilo
Ku'i Moloka'i
Lele
Lele `Uwehe
'O
'Ue, 'Uwe
'Uehe, 'Uwehe, 'Uweke
'Uili
'Uleipahu
   
Some Hawaiian implements you will use:
 
ipu - a single gourd drum used for some dances
ipu heke - a double gourd drum
ʻiliʻili - water-worn lava stone used like castanets
ʻuli'uli - feathered gourd rattles
puʻili - split bamboo sticks
kalaʻau - rhythm sticks

coming in the future: 

pahu - sharkskin covered drum and is considered sacred
puniu - small knee drum made of a coconut shell

 

* Some basic Tahitian dance steps:
 
Afata
Fa'arapu 
Fa'arori 
Fa'amenemene
Fa'atere
Iraro
Ope
Ruru
Nu'utere ne'e
Tamau or otu'i
Te'i
Toma
Varu 
 

 

My mission is to perpetuate my culture. I am a native, a real islandgirl, and I am really, really proud of it. :) I provide authentic Polynesian dance instruction and entertainment to all of my students and clients. I guarantee it.

What better way to learn Polynesian culture and dancing than from a real native!
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
For more information please check out www.nnparks.com or call 926.1400 for more information and registration. 
 
 
 Me ke aloha pumehana
 
(With the warmth of my love) 
 
 
Please contact me if you would like more information or have any questions.
Mahalo! (Thank you!) I look forward to hearing from you.