Services
Tahitian Dance (All Shows)
Tahitian Dance (All Shows)
Tahitian Dance (All Shows)
Polynesians arrived in Tahiti prior to Hawaii and later gifted Hawaii with one of the sacred drums, and dances include drum dances like otea with grass skirts as the costume and aparima which is similar to hula.
Hawaiian Hula (All Shows)
Tahitian Dance (All Shows)
Tahitian Dance (All Shows)
Hula uses the hands and body to tell the genealogies and history of the Hawaiians through chants and songs with more conservative costumes, and both kahiko and auana routines are passed down through generations just as Mahealani’s kumu hula (hula teacher) has shared with her.
New Zealand Maori Dance (Some Shows)
New Zealand Maori Dance (Some Shows)
New Zealand Maori Dance (Some Shows)
Aotearoa (New Zealand) was the last of the Polynesian islands to be settled, and dances include the haka war dance, poi ball dance, and action songs telling of how some of Mahealani’s Polynesian ancestors arrived and their warrior qualities.
Samoan Dance (Some Shows)
New Zealand Maori Dance (Some Shows)
New Zealand Maori Dance (Some Shows)
Upbeat dances with body slapping and fire knife demonstrating bravery are characteristic of Samoa.
Lei Greeting (Add-On)
Cultural Stations (Add-On)
Cultural Stations (Add-On)
A Hawaiian celebration is not complete without a lei, a symbol of hospitality, love, and aloha. Ask us about adding a lei greeting, lei greeters, and souvenir lei to your event.
Cultural Stations (Add-On)
Cultural Stations (Add-On)
Cultural Stations (Add-On)
Guests can experience hands-on cultural activities before the show begins such as Hawaiian implements, Tahitian drums, and Maori poi. Ask us about adding cultural stations with cultural demonstrators to your event.
Island Backdrop (Add-On)
Island Backdrop (Add-On)
Island Backdrop (Add-On)
Rent our island backdrop to use as staging, decor, or a photo booth for your guests.
Small Fire (Add-On)
Island Backdrop (Add-On)
Island Backdrop (Add-On)
If you are not purchasing a show package with a fire performer, you can add on one small fire dance (a song with a fire theme using the fire coconuts).
FAQs
How are hula and other Polynesian dances taught?
How are hula and other Polynesian dances taught?
How are hula and other Polynesian dances taught?
A halau hula is a hula school led by a kumu hula or hula teacher who carries a hula lineage which is passed on to her students. This means that while the text for the oli (chant) or mele (song) remains the same, Hawaiians will be able to tell which halau and kumu a hula dancer has studied with in the traditions and style of her dancing. The dancer learns culture, history, language for chanting and singing, dancing, accompaniment with percussion and stringed instruments, and costume making. This training goes beyond what is taught in a studio or university. Mahealani’s intention is to perpetuate the traditions of her halau and Hawaiian culture while entertaining and educating audiences, and she also teaches her performers and offers limited classes open to the public.
What music do you use?
How are hula and other Polynesian dances taught?
How are hula and other Polynesian dances taught?
Not only is choreography passed down to the hula dancer, but she is also given permission to use the accompaniment of her kumu and other dancers from her halau in her own performances. This means the copyrights belong to the kumu, and the audience can enjoy a unique performance. We bring this recorded music along with a professional sound system, and a show package including a Hawaiian musician or Tahitian drummer can be purchased when available.
Do you dance with fire?
Do you include audience participation?
Do you include audience participation?
Since fire in luau shows comes from the tradition of Samoan fire knife dancing, a show package including a fire performer can be purchased at a rate to include liability insurance for the most authentic and exciting performance possible of pulsating drum music and large fire props. One exception is specific hula and Tahitian numbers, which use small fire in the storytelling, and clients can request this as an add-on to any show package.
Do you include audience participation?
Do you include audience participation?
Do you include audience participation?
Yes, we include audience members in short hula lessons AND Tahitian dance lessons in every show!
Do you offer short, 15 minute performances if a full hour is not needed?
Do you offer 1 hour educational programs or workshops based on 1 island culture?
Do you offer 1 hour educational programs or workshops based on 1 island culture?
We offer a 15 minutes telegram to surprise loved ones at their homes or places of work whether celebrating a special day or just sending a special message (1 dancer and client chooses Tahitian or Hawaiian). We can also give 15 minutes performances at other events when there is a limited time for entertainment (2 dancers maximum and client chooses Tahitian or Hawaiian).
Do you offer 1 hour educational programs or workshops based on 1 island culture?
Do you offer 1 hour educational programs or workshops based on 1 island culture?
Do you offer 1 hour educational programs or workshops based on 1 island culture?
Mahealani is sometimes called on to give a full hour seminar or workshop on 1 island culture (usually Hawaii). This includes a talk on the history and culture of the chosen island country, a table with cultural artifacts including dress and objects, some language, and dance instruction.
What occasions can be celebrated with a luau?
What programming is available for kids and teens?
What programming is available for kids and teens?
Traditionally, a Hawaiian luau was held to celebrate special occasions such as the birth of a child, a victory in battle, or a successful harvest. Occasions that may include a luau theme or performance today include: birthdays, anniversaries, showers, weddings, holidays, festivals, retail or restaurant events, theme park events, corporate events, camp events, neighborhood events, club events, school events, library events, church events, and senior events.
What programming is available for kids and teens?
What programming is available for kids and teens?
What programming is available for kids and teens?
Mahealani's Summer Reading Program is in high demand every year at libraries across Georgia. We also offer AAPI Month Programs, school assembly programs, and multicultural day performances for all grade levels and all schools OR even a kids party at client homes including Moana and Lilo & Stitch themes.