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 80 members and a few of them created a dance group consisting of 10 professional performers. 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. I look forward to making many
cherished memories. I look forward to meet you.
