Welcome to Kanani Pua Dance

Under the direction of Elenoa Tuitavuki Pua

At Kanani Pua dance, we promote and invite a positive and happy learning environment for all our 'haumana' (students). Through dance and music, Kanani Pua cultivates and perpetuates Polynesian culture. We want all of our students to be responsible, respectful and knowledgeable about all Polynesian cultures. We hope our haumana feel the love of Polynesian dance and music to use for their family functions, celebrations, and all other gatherings throughout their lives.

We are 'ohana (We are family)

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IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR ENTERTAINMENT FOR YOUR NEXT LU'AU, PLEASE SEE OUR LU'AU PACKAGES BELOW!

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Home: Welcome

Meet Our Instructors

Where the love of Polynesian dance begins

Director

Aloha! My name is Elenoa Pua. I started dancing hula at 8 years old with a hula halau in Hau'ula, Hawaii under the direction of Kumu Wayne Takemoto, Halau o ka ula o kalani. Throughout the years I learned from many kumu (Teacher or Leader) where I was able to gain the knowledge and love of Polynesian dance. My love of dance started with hula which eventually led me to understand and love all of the other Polynesian cultures: Tahitian, Samoan, Tongan, Maori and Fiji. My hope as a dance director is to provide the same love, respect and understanding of Polynesian dance that my kumu taught me.

Instructor/Choreographer/Musician

Aloha! My name is Tony Paialii. Polynesian dance and music has been a part of my life since I was born. I come from a long line of Polynesian musicians and dancers. I have danced, performed, sang and choreographed shows all over the U.S including Disney, California and Florida. I hope to teach our students how to dance but more so to help them understand why they dance.

Lehi Instructor

Pasimata (Pasi) danced at the Polynesian Cultural center, has choreographed dances for Kanani Pua, runs her own online dance business and has training from other exceptional dance artists. We are so blessed to have her!

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All About Kanani Pua Dance

Kanani Pua Dance was created by Elenoa (Ele) Pua. She started this group in September 2014.

Ele was born and raised in Kahuku, Hawaii on the island of Oahu. She started dancing hula at the age of 8. She danced for Hula Halau o Kaulaokalani in Hau'ula, Hawaii under the instruction of Wayne Takemoto. She also entered Miss Keiki Hula at age 12.

Through out her childhood life, Ele danced a variety of Polynesian dances. This includes, Maori, Tahiti, Hawaii, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji. She worked at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaii for the Luau, the Night Show and the Promotional Team.

She traveled to New York, San Francisco and other destinations to promote the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Upon moving to Utah, Ele was introduced to the manager of Fano Ma'ohi of Utah (a Tahitian dance company), Danny Tupua. She danced, taught and helped choreograph Tahitian dance to girls ages 5-25. Ele also traveled with Fano Ma'ohi to California for a Tahiti Fete, in which they took 1st place in their division. Ele then took a little break from dancing to complete her Masters Degree in School Counseling. During the break, she met the managers, Roy & Grace Flores, of another dance group called, Roi Tiare Dance Company. There, she taught the basic Tahitian dance moves to girls ages 5 - 21. From there, she decided to continue the dance classes with the name, Kanani Pua Dance.

Ele is married to Tui'one Pua and is a proud mother of 4. She resides in West Jordan, Utah. Her daughter, Moli Pua also dances in the group.

CHOREOGRAPHER/INSTRUCTORS: Tony Paialii, originally from Laie, Hawaii. Worked with several groups including, Disney World, Seaworld, etc.

Pasimata Larsen, born and raised in Hawaii. She has danced at the Polynesian Cultural Center and has trained with exceptional dancers. She also runs her own online dance group.

Classes are held every Saturday (Updated schedule is posted on our instagram @kananipuadance or on our Facebook page)

*Choreography of all dances is property of Kanani Pua Dance

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