05/23/2026
https://www.winknews.com/news/lee/fort-myers-studio-brings-polynesian-dance-and-lei-making-to-swfl/article_8f93a225-adf9-4ccb-a835-87f01df23656.html?brid=YWdncwGuO5A4J9hcv0fCnfEu_j08
It’s Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and I’m so grateful for this special feature on . It’s given me a chance to reflect on this beautiful journey here in Southwest Florida.
When I became a mom, I knew I wanted to share my love for Polynesian dance and culture with my daughters. Hula and Polynesian dance have been part of my life since I was a young girl, and I’ve been incredibly blessed to dance and perform across the country, creating lifelong friendships and ‘ohana along the way.
Fifteen years ago, I asked a few mom friends if their daughters would like to learn alongside my girls. With about 10 little dancers, we held our very first class in a backyard. None of us could have imagined what it would grow into.
Over the years, so many dancers have come through my doors, and it has been such a joy and privilege to watch them grow up. Soon younger siblings joined, then moms joined too, and our dance family continued to blossom.
Every year, I feel deeply humbled to have the opportunity to teach Polynesian dance to so many in our SWFL community. I’m not an expert by any means — I simply share what was lovingly passed down to me, while continuing to learn along the way. Carrying and sharing this beautiful culture is something I hold close to my heart, and I’m forever grateful to everyone who has trusted me to be part of their journey.
I hope to continue dancing, teaching, and sharing aloha for many years to come… at least until I retire on some remote island someday ☺️🌺
Mahalo to all for your love, support, and aloha. Hele On!
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