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Puahi has danced
since the age of 10. She has dedicated herself
to perfecting the art of this beautiful dance
style and culture. Puahi's goal is to perpetuate
the knowledge and culture of the islands to her
students. Puahi continues to perfect her skills
in both Tahitian and Hula by attending various
workshops in Hawaii and the Mainland. She is
currently working towards her title as Kumu by
working with Kumu Rich Pedrina of Hula Halau
Napuaheleonapua in Oahu,
www.richpedrina.com.
Puahi's
Polynesian Dancers was established in 1994 in
her garage in Temecula, California from a small
class of 20 and has grown to over 100 students
today and currently has a professional dance
studio in Jefferson Court in Temecula.
This year marks
Puahi's second entrance in the solo category at
the 5th Annual Tahiti Taurua Nui in Las Vegas.
Halaus from all over Southern California come to
Las Vegas to compete against each other in
Tahitian Dance skills. Puahi entered 20 soloist
dancers in competition and in the first round of
competition, 15 out of 20 dancers made it to the
finals held on day two. Puahi's also entered our
first male soloist at the San Jose Tahiti Fete
and won 1 st place in the men's 25-34 division
category. As a newcomer in the Competition
Arena, Puahi's Polynesian Dancers captured the
hearts of the audience and captivated the
judges. Our goal is to be involved in other
Polynesian dance competitions.
Words from Puahi
My Puahi Ohana,
these past 11 years has brought many gifts to my
life. Although our family has changed through
the years, the love in the hearts of all of our
hula sisters, daughters, and now sons and
brothers has continued to burn well within the
four walls of our Halau. It is difficult to
express in words how I feel about each and
everyone of you. Each person who I have had the
privilege to share our halau with has touched my
heart in one way or another. I have learned from
each and every one of you. How ironic to be a
teacher, but feel as if I'm a student with many
mentors. You all hold a special place in my
heart.
Through the
challenges that I have faced throughout the
years, I have also been given a hundred times
the blessings. Thank you all for your
dedication, loyalty, but most of all your love.
You make my heart
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