WWLP-22 Mass Appeal!!!

ALOHA!

ALOHA MAI!  Have you ever wanted to learn the hula?  Maybe you'd like to learn how those beautiful Polynesian women shake their hips so fast?  Or maybe you just want a fun exercise to shed off some unwanted lbs!  Well, look no further!!!!

I am Pumehana Galeai and I will be offering to teach:

• Hawaiian, Tahitian, Maori, and Samoan dance classes!  Learn the Hawaiian hula, the Tahitian tamure, the Maori wiri, and the Samoan siva!

• I will also be offering Polynesian dance aerobics with one class starting on Tuesday Oct.12, 2010 at the Abundant Wellness Center!

• Also, if you'd just like to learn a hula for a party or some special event, I will offer that too!

• Classes open to boys and girls, men and women of ALL AGES!

• ***Also AVAILABLE FOR PERFORMANCES. 

This Polynesian Dance Class that I bring to you is a culmination of all of the knowledge and skill that I have gained along the years from the master teachers of those very cultures! It won't be easy. Polynesian dance looks easy, but you will soon find out that it's not. The simplest movement requires great effort, BUT that effort is worth it as you will discover things about yourself that you never knew: beauty, grace, strength, and you might just find that there is a little bit of Polynesian within you!!! Join in the Polynesian dance class and experience all that Polynesia has to offer yourself!!! You WON'T regret it!!!

I am so excited to bring the Spirit of Aloha to Chicopee and share these beautiful cultures with you!  Me ke aloha... Pumehana Galeai!

About ME

My name is Pumehana Keolamauloa Ka’awa Galeai. I am Hawaiian, born and raised in Hawaii . As far as my background in Polynesian dance, I have been dancing at the world renowned Polynesian Cultural Center for 8 years now. I am currently dancing in the Centers’ new night show, HA: Breath of Life. I dance the Hawaii , Maori, Tahiti, and Tonga sections, and I also play one of the main roles: Mother. I have danced for all of the shows at the Polynesian Cultural Center including the Canoe Show, Lu’au, and Night Show. I have also danced with the Promotional Team, traveling all over the world to promote the Center. Along with that, I have also emceed for the Lu’au and for various events at the Center.

Besides dancing at the Center, I have also performed with a Tahitian dance group in Laie called Te Hamata which is under the direction of Penny and Vili Toilolo. While in that group I was able to perform in various dance competitions, including the well-known Heiva I Honolulu.

I have also danced, and continue to dance for the very famous Maori group Te Wananga Maori which is under the direction of my brothers and sister-in-law, Tama Halverson, Alex Galeai, and Shannon Galeai. In this group I have been able to compete at the Te Manahua (the main Maori competition in all the islands).  We have won 1st place for the past 3-4 consecutive years.

This past year Te Wananga Maori combined with other groups in Laie to form a new group called Te Kohao Hawaiiki. In this new group, we won first place in this year’s Te Manahua which was just held on Saturday, August 14, 2010.  The leaders of this group are Alex Galeai, Shannon Galeai, Tama Halverson, Iraia and Miri Bailey, and Mokonui Makekau.

I also was in halau Na Mea Hula o Kahikinaokalalani under the direction of Karla Akiona. Halau means hula school.

I have also danced for other groups and other events along the way, but these are the prominent ones.

As you can see, dance is, and continues to be a HUGE part of my life!!! I have been blessed to be so immersed in work which I love and even more so to be able to continue this great work with all of you in Massachusetts!