I
am a Rotuman, born and raised in Fiji. Music and dancing have been part of my life ever since I was very young.
I moved to America at age 10 and at age 15 I joined a hula school in Santa Clara, California. At age 16 my family
moved to Salt Lake City and I met an amazing neighbor, church friend and hula teacher Moana Allen. She is the reason
why I love hula. I was tutored for 2 years in ancient and modern hula. About the same time I joined a Polynesian
Choir of about 200 members and a few of them created a dance group consisting of several professional entertainers.
I was fortunate to learn Maori dance from the late Winton Ria, Hula from the late Clara Silva, and Tahitian dance from 2 sisters
Merehau Kamai and Tearo Matagi. I also learned Samoan dances from a few other teachers. I performed frequently
with these 2 groups and I had a blast!! The polynesian choir dance group competed once when I was 17 years old.
We, 8 young ladies took a road trip to Las Vegas in 1991 and participated in a tahitian dance competition at Palace Station
Hotel. Performing and competing was the highlight of my teen years.
Fast forward
several years later... As a mom, I wanted the flexibility
of working and being able to take care of my children. Becoming a polynesian dance teacher and entertainer allowed me
the flexibility of being able to raise my family. It has been an enjoyable journey sharing my polynesian culture in
my dance classes and luau shows. The year 2020 has brought many changes and challenges such as holding dance classes
through zoom. I hope that 2021 will be a better year for us and for you. May you have a prosperous and healthy
year.
