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!