POLYNESIAN DANCE CLASSES
Our Polynesian Dance Program is dedicated to preserving and passing down the traditions of Hula (Hawaiian), Māori (New Zealand), and ʻOri Tahiti (Tahitian) through respectful, detail-oriented training rooted in proper technique, cultural understanding, and protocol. The program emphasizes authentic movement, musicality, discipline, and artistry while helping dancers develop a strong foundation across multiple Polynesian dance traditions.
Training is structured through a clear, level-based system that incorporates technique from all three styles, along with the use of traditional implements such as poi, pūʻili, ʻuliʻuli, ipu, and tī rākau. Dancers build strength in rhythm, coordination, posture, and performance quality through progressive technical development and choreography.
This program was founded by Lani Podzikowski, who has taught hula for over 50 years and comes from a multigenerational family tradition of Polynesian dance. Her mother, Leilani Cancilla, was a professional hula dancer whose legacy continues to inspire the program today.
Combo Classes
Our Combo Classes provide structured training in Polynesian dance technique through the study of Hula, Māori, and ʻOri Tahiti. Each class integrates movement concepts from all three styles, helping dancers develop coordination, rhythm, timing, musicality, posture, and strong foundational technique in a well-rounded training environment.
Students learn progressive combinations, movement drills, and choreography designed to build confidence, performance quality, and technical consistency over time. Training also includes the use of traditional implements such as pūʻili, ʻuliʻuli, ipu, poi, and tī rākau (Māori stick work), giving dancers experience with important cultural and performance elements connected to each style.
Classes are structured to promote disciplined technical growth while fostering respect for Polynesian dance traditions and movement practices.
Combo Class Descriptions
A fun and engaging introduction to Hula, Māori, and ʻOri Tahiti, building rhythm, coordination, and basic foundational movements through music and guided creative exploration.
Introduces foundational technique across all three styles, including basic hand motions, rhythm, posture, and simple combinations.
Builds consistency and confidence through structured drills and combinations, strengthening timing, coordination, and movement clarity.
Expands technical training with increased focus on precision, musicality, and coordination. Introduction to implements and more detailed combinations.
Advanced foundational training incorporating multiple implements, increased stamina, and more intricate combinations across all three styles.
Focused training emphasizing strength, coordination, and stylistic development with more complex combinations.
Pre-advanced training emphasizing precision, stamina, and performance quality. Dancers begin choreography and leadership development.
A dynamic class integrating Hula, Māori, and ʻOri Tahiti, focused on technique, coordination, fitness, and full-body cultural dance training.
Combo Class Schedules & Registration
‘Ori Tahiti Classes
Our ʻOri Tahiti Classes are high-energy specialty classes focused on building strong Tahitian dance technique in a fun, exciting, and challenging environment. Dancers develop strength, speed, stamina, isolations, coordination, and precision through fast-paced drills, progressive combinations, and dynamic choreography that build both control and performance quality.
Known for its powerful movements and nonstop energy, ʻOri Tahiti is also an incredible full-body workout that helps dancers improve endurance, core strength, musicality, and confidence while developing the vibrant movement style characteristic of Tahitian dance.
‘Ori Tahiti Class Schedules & Registration
Coming Soon!