ABOUT
About Us
I began dancing at the age of 5, I took part in several dance schools including : Raiatea Nui, Makau Foster's dance school and Vital California. At the age of 15, I started dancing professionally with Les Grands Ballets de Tahiti (with Lorenzo Schmidt, Tumata Robinson and Teiki Villant) for several years touring the world and doing hotel gigs. In 2007 I found my mentor Tiare Trompette and began my journey with Hei Tahiti. Aside from the hotel, boat and TV shows, Tiare influenced me to become a dance instructor by letting me teach under her wing for schools and various places. Once I moved to Las Vegas I had the opportunity to teach for Tevakanui for 3 years and Rau Tama Nui for almost 8 years. Since then I have decided to follow my dream and open my very own dance school PUPU 'ORI TE NATI ! I am eager to teach more people and very blessed to have touched so many already !
Founder & Director of Pupu 'Ori Te Nati
Aloha, my name is Daniel "Kaniala" Charles. I have been involved in polynesian entertainement for over 17 years especially fire knife dancing, Ori tahiti, Maori, hula and much more. I love to drum and play music on my free time. I am one of the fire knife performers in Cirque du soleil "O" and a fitness instructor for Raw Fitness.
Instructor and lead drummer for PUPU 'ORI TE NATI
I started dancing Ori Tahiti and hula at the age of 13 with 'Ote'a Api under the direction of the Manaois family for many years. The Polynesian culture has been in my family for over 30 years starting with my uncle who danced for the group Tiare 'Ote'a. I competed in hula and Tahitian in various dance competitions in America, as well as Tahiti and won Overall tane dancer I had the privilege to teach Ori Tahiti for many years and then pursued my dreams as a tattoo artist. I have recently toured with the legendary group Temaeva of Tahiti. I now reside in Las Vegas where I continue to spread my love for the tahitian culture through art, music and dance.
Instructor for PUPU 'ORI TE NATI
Our Staff
Aloha, my name is Nani Kitashima, I started dancing hula when I was 5 years old and tahitian when I was 10. I have been a student for Julie for 13 years. Through Julie's tutelage I have been able to grow as a dancer and have the opportunity to compete all over the US! I now help Julie teach all classes in Pupu 'Ori Te Nati.
Assistant
Ia ora na, my name is Kaya Vestuto and I am 18 years old. I Have been involved in all kinds of dance including hip hop, jazz, ballet, contemporary, pom, and Ori Tahiti. I started dancing 9 years ago under the direction of Julie Charles, I have been working with kids for over three years and assisting with the classes at Pupu Ori Te Nati since it started.
Assistant helper
Ia ora na, my name is Kaylani Mendiola and I am an assistant for Pupu Ori Te Nati. I am 24 years old and I have been a polynesian dancer for 19 years. Although my focus is on Tahitian dancing I have a background in Hula, Samoan and Maori dancing. I have been dancing under Julie's wing for 13 years and I currently help teach all classes.
Assistant
Ia ora na, I am Kristel Mayol and I am 16 years old. I am an assistant teacher at Pupu Ori Te Nati. I have been dancing Ori Tahiti for 12 years and have been with Julie Charles for 10. I come from a big family and love kids.