INSTRUCTOR
Denise was introduced to Hula in Denver, Colorado in 2006 and it quickly became a passion. She dedicated herself to the study and was invited to dance with Kalama Polynesian dancers and Polynesian Fia Fia, along with the Hula worship group Instruments of Praise. After moving to St. Joe Beach and realizing there were no Halua’s (Hula Schools) or professionals nearby, she decided to build her own school here. She also offers Bellydance as a private class offering, as she studied Bellydance a few years before she discovered her passion for Hula.
Dance isn't the only subject she has taught, and has spent a large part of her life in leadership and training roles, from a wild variety of fields ranging from computer programming, to water aerobics and international tour direction. Watch this space, as she is currently working with small groups, and multiple dance styles, that will reach a diverse audience and bring dance and fellowship to our community.
Dare to dance! Ai'a i ka Hula!
MY TEACHERS - PAST AND PRESENT
Glenda “Aiwa” Florez was my first professional Polynesian dance instructor. She opens her heart and arms to everyone, teaching the true meaning of Aloha without effort. Her style is uniquely hers because she has learned from professionals the world over, and has respected the culture, art and wisdom of each of her teachers. Her openness to all the other groups in Colorado, and around the country also opened up the possibilities and freedom for me to learn from others. Through Glenda, I found a home in the Polynesian community in Colorado and was given the gift of learning from others.
Glenda’s dance passion started at the age of 6, with her childhood training in the llima style of dance, and she continued her training with many Halau’s across the Country as she grew up in a military family. She danced professionally for more than 12 years at The Mai-Kai Polynesian Restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and when she moved to Colorado in 2007, she founded Polynesian Party Planners and Kalama Polynesian Dancers. She is also the Founder of Halau Kalama HalauKalama
Polynesian Fia Fia - Siasoi and Marsha Taitium
Aunty and Uncle are the titles the ohana (family) gave to Marsha and Siasoi. I was introduced to Polynesian Fia Fia when Kalama Dancers worked with Aunty Marsha to choreograph a chant Frank Kei’li Chang sang to the words of a poem she wrote to honor St. Francis of Assisi. From that moment forward I began training with them, and was often invited to dance with them at various events in Denver. They taught me how to ‘feel and express’ emotion, not just movement, and shared knowledge, faith, love and the history of polynesia from the true source.
Siasoi was born into a family of Chiefs on the island of Savai’i in Samoa. High Chief I’iga “Vui” Siaosi. Master of Ancient moves, he was bred into the art of cultural knowledge through a long family legacy. After coming to America on a mission, he met Aunty Marsha and only returned to Samoa for a short time before coming back to America to marry Marsha and they founded founded Polynesian Fiafia, in Scotsdale AZ, a entertainment group that later relocated to Denver and remained a favorite for decades. Sadly Aunty Marsha passed in 2020 and Uncle Siasoi retired his performance group and spends his time at his much loved church. He remains a beacon to all the people he has touched, as does our memory of Aunty Marsha.
_JPG.jpg)
Kianoa Garden
Tehanis Hula Colorado - Kainoa's beautiful style inspires me and she helped me find the style that suits me best. From Hawaii Kainoa came to the mainland and became a professional dancer traveling in the US and traveling to Canada.
Having worked with several dance groups in Denver, including Polynesian Fia Fia, she began choreographing and soon found that to be her creative outlet.
She lives what she teaches and says: "Life should be lived with mindfulness. It's about being present, and in the moment" she says. "The same holds true in the dance; hula is all about the presence of mind, body and soul." She currently teaches in Denver, Colorado
Nadine Lund
Nadine Founded Instruments of Praise, a denver based Hula ministry. The women of Instruments of praise travel from a 60 mile radius to learn and worship with Nadine, and the group performs at area churches and events in Colorado.
On occasion, the group travels to perform with other worship groups.
PAST & PRESEST HULA WORKSHOPS
Kumu Hula Frank Keli’i Chang, Halau Ho’ola Ka Mana O Hawaii
Kumu Hula Kea, of Na Puakea O Ko’olaupoko Halau, Kailua Oahu Hawaii
Kumu Hula Kuana Torres Kahele - Ongoing!
Kumu Hula Kau’’i Dalire (Miss Aloha Hula 1992)
Karina's School of Hawaiian and Belly Dance - Ongoing!
Bellydance Instruction with:
Sadie Marquardt - In Denver Studios early 2000's, before her international Fame!
Suzanna DeVechico
Eva Cernick
Dawn Guinn - Ongoing!