Home. Affordable Hawaii for Solo Travelers. About Us. Travel. News. Photo Gallery. Products. Contact. Resources. Classes/Entertainment. Programs.

© 2016 - 2025 Tropical Polynesian Productions

TROPICAL POLYNESIAN PRODUCTIONS

 

HOW TO HULA

 

A dance set to poetry. Learn the difference between Hula Kahiko (Ancient Hula) and Hula Auana

(Modern Hula).  Storytelling in dance form.  Learn the various types of Hawaiian dance: Hula Kahiko and Hula Auana and the costumes used for each. Then learn the basic foot and hand motions, and complete choreographies. Hula Kahiko (Ancient Hula) is performed with a chanter, who plays the Ipu Heke (double gourd drum) and the dancer(s) who dance to the beat of the drum. Chanting is a form of Hawaiian mele (song) to honor a person, place, or event. Chanting is performed at funerals, weddings, graduations and just about for any occasion.

 

Dress: Pa'u or skirt (for females) and/or wear comfortable clothing.

      

     Additional Information about Chants: All music from all over the world started out as chants--

     religious chants; then, it emerged into secular (non-religious) music.

 

ORI: THE DANCE OF TAHITI

 

The most energetic of all the Polynesian dances and widely known for very fast hip movements

(Remember the dancer during the Hawaii 5-0 theme song and credits.) Emphasis is on hip isolation. Instruction includes strength and stamina training.  Learn the difference between Otea and Aparima. This class is appropriate for beginners as well as experienced dancers.

 

Dress: A pareo or scarf for the hips, wear comfortable clothing.

 

NEW ZEALAND MAORI POI DANCE

 

Learn the art of twirling Poi balls (soft white balls at the end of bright, braided yarn which Maori women twirl in their dancing). The Poi dance was originally used by the Maori women for keeping their hands flexible for weaving and by the men for strength and coordination required during battle.

 

Dress: Wear comfortable clothing.

 

 

 

 

OTHER DANCES TAUGHT

 

FIJIAN

TONGAN

SAMOAN

 

FYI: Samoan and Tongans perform the Money Dance, it is a tradition for the audience to give the dancer money, by either placing the money on the stage near her or tucking the money into her clothes.  Some throw the money on the stage.  The purpose of this dance is to show appreciation and support for her dancing, as well as the dancer.  (Samoan it is called Taualuga; Tongan it is called Fakapale)

 

See a short video clip from one of our performances below!

Picture yourself dancing with us!

 

LOCATIONS

Arrowhead Montessori

14801 N. 83rd Ave.

 Peoria, AZ 85381

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I teach the enrolled preschoolers at the Arrowhead Montessori, as well have adult classes in the evenings.

(PLEASE NOTE: There is a resident cat and sometimes a dog(s) will be at the Montessori)

 

Please call first regarding dance lessons 623-255-8491

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE AND ENCOURAGED!!

Classes will be held first 3 weeks in November and 1st week in December. There will be no classes for the remainder of December due to the Holiday season.

 

CLASS FEE AND POLICIES

(Arrowhead Montessori)

4 Week Session - $35.00 per person for monthly classes.  Classes expire after 4 weeks (4 week sessions).

Classes: All ages, men, women, boys, and girls welcome!

 

Classes are on Fridays evenings, 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM (always ongoing at the Montessori).

Prepayment is required to guarantee your spot in any class and is due first  Friday of the month.

No refunds or make-up classes are available for missed classes.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before class starts to allow time to sign in, make payments, etc.

New classes start the first Friday of every month.

 

DANCE COMPANY CLASS

Invitation Only

8:30 pm to 9:30 pm

 

Interested in joining our dance company?

 Click here

 

 

REVIEWS

 

 

DROP-IN CLASSES/SAMPLE CLASS

1 Class Session - $20.00 for 1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

SEMINARS

 

BENEFITS OF LEARNING POLYNESIAN DANCE

 

It helps builds self esteem

Improves social skills

Helps overcome stage fright

Improves coordination

Excellent for burning fat and calories

You can burn over 100 calories in 30 minutes learning Polynesian dance

It also helps exercise the mind by memorizing the words, music, and dance routine

 

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS/GROUPS

 

Please Call

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT

 

Please Click Here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COME JOIN US!

 

 

 

 

 

DANCE WITH US!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polynesian Cultural Tributes for Memorial & Funeral Services

Presented by Tropical Polynesian Productions

 

At Tropical Polynesian Productions, we provide respectful and meaningful Polynesian cultural performances to honor and celebrate the life of your loved one. Rooted in the rich traditions of the Pacific Islands, our tributes are designed to bring comfort, reflection, and spiritual connection during memorial and funeral services.

 

Each performance is offered with deep cultural integrity and sensitivity, and may include:

 

   Hula Kahiko (Ancient Hula): A traditional Hawaiian dance accompanied by chanting, honoring ancestry and the sacred.

 

   Hula ʻAuana (Modern Hula): A graceful and expressive form of storytelling through song and movement.

 

   Tahitian Aparima: A gentle, flowing Tahitian dance that shares heartfelt stories with hand gestures and soft rhythms.

 

   ʻOli Chant: Hawaiian chants performed to offer blessings, remembrance, and spiritual grounding.

 

   Māori Haka: A powerful ceremonial dance from Aotearoa (New Zealand), performed to express deep respect, grief, and unity.

 

   Additional Cultural Tributes: We also offer traditional elements from Samoa, Tonga, and other Polynesian islands upon request.

 

We work closely with families, churches, and funeral directors to ensure that each presentation aligns with your loved one’s legacy and the tone of the service.

 

Zoom presentation is available too. Live and/or prerecorded

 

To inquire or schedule a cultural tribute, please contact us:

📞 Phone: 623-255-8491

 

With aloha, we dance to remember, honor, and uplift.

 

$250.00

FEATURED ON FOX TV

MORNING SHOW

GIRL’S CLUB: POLYNESIAN DANCE

 

ONLINE DANCE CLASSES