<![CDATA[POLYNESIAN PARTY PLANNERS INC - Archive-Diary of A Polynesian Dancer]]>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:57:57 -0600Weebly<![CDATA[Adrift Tiki Bar and Grill with Kalama Polynesian Dancers]]>Wed, 21 Feb 2018 17:36:32 GMThttp://www.halaukalama.com/archive-diary-of-a-polynesian-dancer/adrift-tiki-bar-and-grill3340994Adrift is a Vintage Polynesian Bar and Grill. Join Kalama Polynesian Dancers for our monthly Last Sunday Luaus and other special events. Adrift is located at 218 S. Broadway Denver, CO 80209. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made at Open Table or by calling them @ 303-778-8454.

Last Sunday Luaus @ Adrift-

Join us for an All- You- Can - Eat Dinner and Show for $25 (Kids eat for 1/2 price).  The beauty of Polynesia comes to life in the songs and dances of the highly celebrated "A Passport to Paradise" Polynesian Revue by Kalama Polynesian Dancers.  Transport yourself to Hawai'i 1940's and 50's as our Hula Maidens perform dances from that era.  Please let your server know if you are celebrating a special occasion- Birthday, Wedding, Anniversary, or Upcoming Marriage!  Reservations must be made at info@adriftbar.com or 303-778-8454.  Your reservations will be confirmed by the Adrift General Manager.  (Note:  Open Table reservations are NOT taken for this event) 
***INSIDER TIP **** Tell them you came with us- Kalama Polynesian Dancers and you will receive a FREE Chi-Chi Tropical Drink.  Yummy! 

Hula Lessons & Happy Hour @ Adrift- 

This Summer we are doing Hula Lessons & Happy Hour at Adrift from 4-5pm every Saturday.  Hula Lessons are $10 and includes a refreshing Chi-Chi or Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic).  Happy Hour Specials on small plates and tiki cocktails will also be available.  Spots are limited so please make sure you register today!
Sign-Up Here
For more information visit Adrift’s Website
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For more information on Events Follow Adrift’s Facebook Page
Kalama’s Calendar will also include all Adrift Shows, Classes, and Events with Kalama Polynesian Dancers. 
]]><![CDATA[Corporate Promotions]]>Sun, 26 Mar 2017 23:32:51 GMThttp://www.halaukalama.com/archive-diary-of-a-polynesian-dancer/corporate-promotionsContact Kalama Polynesian Dancers to promote your next Corporate Promotion or
​Marketing Promotion.  

Maui Jim Promotions Denver, CO 

]]><![CDATA[Online Classes FAQ's]]>Mon, 06 Feb 2017 14:27:10 GMThttp://www.halaukalama.com/archive-diary-of-a-polynesian-dancer/online-classes-faqsYou can now learn Hula and Tahitian Dance from the comfort of your home ONLINE.  Currently I teach weekly live online classes and also have recorded videos available for purchase at any time.  Here is how it works.  

Log on directly to the online site - 
www.powhow.com/classes/polynesian-dance-by-aiwa

Or from the website hover over classes tab ---> then online classes   

You will need to sign-up for online class subscription which is FREE for a period of time ( it varies from 14 days to one month depending on the specials they have).  Subscriptions are about $20 per month after the trial period and you can take Dance Classes, Fitness Classes, etc...  on the site with different instructors.

My site includes tabs at the top for Class Schedules, Videos, Instructor Bio, and Testimonials.  If you look at Class Schedules you will see different class packages (usually recorded complete choreography) and monthly subscriptions (usually video package that I constantly add more videos to).  However if you scroll down more you will see dates and times for LIVE ONLINE CLASSES.  If you want to purchase any video you would go on to the video tab and you can purchase videos separately without having to purchase the full package.  

For live online classes I can see up to 12 of my students in real time.  My students can only see ME!  So I have the ability to cue and correct students.  The great thing is that I record most of my classes so that you can download and watch the class over and over again to practice.  There is no intimidation, you don't have to leave your home, and you can even take classes "on the go" if you travel a lot or on vacation.  

If you are unsure about live online classes you can always try me FREE MONTHLY ONLINE CLASS .  I try to give my clients a "sample" of some of the classes I teach so that it can help you make a decision if online classes are right for you.  

I also teach private classes that are interactive as if you were taking a private class with me LIVE.  I can teach you what you would like to learn - Tahitian Ote'a, Aparima, Hula Dance, etc...  if you scroll down on the class schedule tab all the way at the bottom you can purchase a private online class and request times.  

The best value is the first option which is the All Access 30 Day Pass.  For $45 you have access to ALL of my videos (currently I have recorded 46 videos +) AND 4 live online class credits that you can use within 30 days.  

*** New *** I teach a 6 week live combo class here in Aurora, CO to my own students that I stream LIVE!  So now you can see how other students interact with ME while learning online.  This is a rolling 6 week course.  

I have amazing students and online clients from all over the world and even students that take my regular local classes log on to learn something new.  It is a lot of fun and a great workout.  

Please contact me if you have any questions OR try our FREE CLASSES by clicking on this link --- >
www.powhow.com/packages/polynesian-dance-by-aiwa/free-monthly-trial-videos

Join me for an amazing dance journey live or live and online from the comfort of your home.  
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Free Online Preview
]]><![CDATA[Fusion Dance VS. Traditional Dance]]>Wed, 28 Dec 2016 05:17:23 GMThttp://www.halaukalama.com/archive-diary-of-a-polynesian-dancer/fusion-dance-vs-traditional-dance
In 2003 I never knew I would miss dance the way I did.  It truly was a blessing to take a little break from the dance life in order to discover exactly how much it meant to me.  Once I had my Daughter in 2003 it gave me the motivation to come back to dance and to come back even stronger.  This motivation came about because I just wanted to prove it to myself that I could bounce back from having a baby (technique and physique) and also because I wanted it to be a part of my Daughter's life as it was such a big part of mine.  When I came back to dance (I will share that journey in another post...) it was around 2005 when I performed (in the show @ The Mai-Kai) like normal and would never foget seeing two beautiful women in the audience in the Hawai'i Section of The Mai-Kai Dining room.  They were smiling at me the whole entire show and just as other Entertainers are... we feed off of the energy and reactions of the audience.  So they were part of my focal point that night.  
After the show as I was getting ready to leave the Musicians called out my name from the top of the stairs (as our dressing room is under the stage) just as they always do when someone was asking for us or if we needed to talk to Mua (our lead musician/ show Supervisor) because we were in trouble somehow.  But, this time I was fortunate to have admirers that wanted to say "Hi".  They were in the bar waiting for me said Fles (one of the musicians whom I just love til this day).  
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So just like normal I walked into the bar and met the two girls that were in the dining room and such an incredible audience during the show.  They introduced themselves to me as Sadie and Kaya.  They complimented the show and my dancing and wanted to see if I could do a private class/lesson with them while they were in town.  They said they were in town for a Bellydance Convention.  So, I thought "why not?'  They sound interesting and they were super interested in Polynesian Dance.  

We met at my Clubhouse in the Condo that I lived at in Fort Lauderdale.  It was so funny.  To know them both like I do now and our conversations back then about dance and me being intrigued by their Bellydance Lifestyle as much as they were intrigued by mine was just hilarious.  We laughed about me teaching them how to tie their pareu and just all of our questions to one another.  To my surprise they were really good.  They learned quickly and were able to see the differences in our dance styles.  They were very respectful of the Culture as well as learning the words and terminolgy correctly to match the dance.  This was important to me because with my experience at The Mai-Kai (and other dancers there can vouch for me as well) there were so many people that wanted to learn the dance that never cared about all of those important things.  I mean we had so many people watch our show.  Not just Polynesian Dancers but Brazilian Dancers, Hip - Hop Dancers (we did have a visit from many popular people like Missy Elliot and The Rock to name a few), and we even had Strippers from Miami and other local Clubs come and "watch our moves".  I'm pretty sure they could care less about what a fa'arapu was and how to do it correctly.  

So this is when my friendship started with the Famous Bellydance Girls from Colorado - Kaya and Sadie.  Back then they were local primarily in Denver and they taught classes and had a group called Groove Du Monde.  Fast forward to the end of that year I got back with my High School Sweetheart (awwww!) and in 2007 I was moving to Denver, CO because he was stationed in the Military there.  All that time I kept in contact with Kaya and Sadie and then I am now emailing them to tell them that I was moving to their State!  They thought that it was a joke at first and then it was just all pure excitement.  

The day after I got to Colorado I went to a Samba Workshop in Denver taught by Kaya and Sadie.  My Boyfriend (Now Husband) dropped me off to class while he took our Daughter to the Greek Festival.  Those that are from Denver know that this would indicate that it was in June.  Just like that we continued our friendship through dance.  Kaya, Sadie, and I would practice Tahitian Dance and since I had no Students or Dancers here I would do events with them.  They even taught me some Samba and we practice the differences of Polynesian VS. Bellydance and also practiced the similarities.  Through the Bellydance circuit I also met other incredible Bellydancers.  Some of them I just danced shows with and some of them even became part of my group when I started it like Rooshana.  

I must say that my experience with the Bellydance World has been inspirational and fun.  I have Kaya, Sadie, Rooshana, and Bev (Colorado Talent) to thank for that.  These dancers have taught me that it is okay to learn other forms of dance and appreciate other forms of dance without "selling out" your own form.  I believe as long as one knows how to represent their type of Dance Traditionally as well as Modern and understand the representation of the dance it is okay to experiment or even fuse different types of dance.  

Because of Sadie and Kaya I do know this though... beware of those out there that dab here and there of Hula, Tahitian, Bellydance, Samba....  and just fuse everything together and not even know how to correctly perform any one of those dances and have no clue what the dances mean or represent.  You have to establish your own dance correctly before you try to learn another.  

Now I am at the point in my career where I work with many Bellydancers all over the world who find Polynesian Dance Interesting and understand that cross-training in dance improves their own Style of Dance.  I recognize Bellydancers weekness when it comes to learning Tahitian and things that they tend on doing which we don't do in our Dance.  I train online and live and I love it.  

Every once in awhile Sadie and I (she now tours the World!) get together and do projects and events.  We just finished a fusion dance called Tablahiti.  My daughter who is now 13 helped teach the Choreography to her.  We find it NUTS since she was just a baby when we first met.  
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Always keep an open mind in life (not just dance).  The most creative dancers and choreographers have respect for other forms of dance and find that we use everything around us to innovate and to take Polynesian Dance to a whole new level while keeping the tradition alive and passing it down to our family, friends, and others who also appreciate our Culture.  
More about Sadie - www.sadiebellydancer.com
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Sadie and I with our kiddo's and friends at The Denver Aquarium.
More about Kaya- ​http://kayastar.com

Sadie and I dancing at our first show in Denver, CO 

Yup It's a Small World... this wedding was for the creator of 808 Viral...read below!

My favorite saying is "It's A Small World!".  It surely is.  I came to Denver to visit a couple of months before I moved here in June 2007.  My Husband took me to L&L Hawaiian BBQ here (shout out to Sai and Avery!) in Aurora, CO.  I placed my business card on the board hoping to book some shows before I moved out here.  Who books me first?  My first show in Denver was for Daniela Stolfi -Tow (Dani Girl).  Sadie and I did her wedding at the Grant-Humphries Mansion in Denver on the Fourth of July.  Since she was on a budget and it was my first show we gave her an awesome discount and in exchange she took my first ever photoshoot here in Colorado (behind our dance studio right by the dumpsters lol!) and she did my first ever website.  Now Dani Girl is the gal behind 808 Viral in Hawai'i.  They are independent Hawaii content creators that find and create some of Hawaii's most popular viral videos including PIDGIN SIRI and other videos by the awesome Team 808 Viral.  More about them - 808viral.com  Super FUNNY!  Look them up.  
]]><![CDATA[Disney's Moana]]>Mon, 28 Nov 2016 23:36:44 GMThttp://www.halaukalama.com/archive-diary-of-a-polynesian-dancer/disneys-moana
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Disney's Publicist from Disney Studios PR, Janna, connected with Kalama Polynesian Dancers and shared info about the film and links to content so that we can see the care and commitment that went into depicting Oceanic culture in the film.  In addition Disney was gracious enough to supply us with any additional material, premiere images, and permission for Kalama to post our support for the film including the ability to dance to the songs on the Moana Soundtrack.  
We are happy that Disney has chosen to tell the story of The Polynesian People and represent the Culture.  We would love to share with you the magic of Moana at your next event!  

Click on the video below for our Children's Birthday Experience

As your guests arrive you can hand them grass skirt, lei, and accessories to wear at the luau party.  After pizza and tropical children's drinks picture your little ones sitting and waiting for our show while eating their tropical inspired cake pops, cupcakes, and even chocolate covered strawberries .    Our JR Dancers start their show with the blowing of the conch shell and will take your audience on a 30-40 min magical journey through the islands of Polynesia.  This features songs and dances from Hawai'i, New Zealand, Samoa, and Tahiti.  Included is audience participation (Hula Lesson and Warrior Dance), costume changes, and songs and dances from Disney's Moana Soundtrack.  
The grande finale is the fire knife dance of Samoa (or our LED show featured in the video above if we cannot do fire).  The fun does not stop there!  
We can also include a Moana "Meet and Greet" where our surprise guest comes out and dances with the Birthday Celebrant and gives her a fresh flower lei.  Our guest of honor will take a picture with Moana and the two dancers and then Moana stays and takes pictures with all of your party guests for about 15-20 min.  
We recommend a nice tropical backdrop for pictures portion as well as a polaroid camera (recommended FUJI Instax) to take pictures of your guests.  This will make a perfect birthday take-home gift.  You can even put it in a nice personalized frame.  

***Based upon availability we also can offer lei greeters, tropical cake pops, cupcakes, cakes, or chocolate covered strawberries,  extra fresh flower leis, tropical faceprinting, black and white tattoos, lei making, candy lei making, tahitian style limbo, hula hoop fun, and MORE!
Check out our PINTEREST site for more ideas on our Children's Luau Parties! 

In theaters November 23, 2016 and now available on DVD

I’d also like to share a look at the stunning realization of the original song “We Know the Way.” Written and performed by Opetaia Foa‘i and Lin-Manuel Miranda, “We Know the Way” showcases the rich and vibrant voyaging life of Moana’s ancestors." ~ Janna (Disney's Publicist from Disney Studios PR)
Click Here for Images from Moana Movie Premiere

Click Here To See-Kalama Polynesian Dancers on "Everyday" with Chris Parente and Kathie Jay promoting the Disney Movie Moana 

A message from Chris Parente KDVR, "Everyday" Show, "Jump Cut", and FOX 31 News​

For centuries, the greatest sailors in the world masterfully navigated the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, 3,000 years ago, their voyages stopped for a millennium – and no one knows exactly why. 

From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who is inspired to leave the safety and security of her island on a daring journey to save her people. Inexplicably drawn to the ocean, Moana (voice of Auliʻi Cravalho) convinces the mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) to join her mission, and he reluctantly helps her become a wayfinder like her ancestors who sailed before her. Together, they voyage across the open ocean on an action-packed adventure, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills her quest and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity. Directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess & the Frog”), produced by Osnat Shurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”), and featuring music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa‘i, “Moana” sails into U.S. theaters on Nov. 23, 2016.
]]><![CDATA[Polynesian Dance Classes Information]]>Mon, 28 Nov 2016 12:02:42 GMThttp://www.halaukalama.com/archive-diary-of-a-polynesian-dancer/polynesian-dance-classes-information

Class Descriptions

Kalama Polynesian Dance Class Descriptions-

7-8am Tahitian Dance Classes -
Team Fenua (Interm/Adv Girls/Women 12 and up)
Kalama Kane (Boys/Men ages 12 and up) 
Team Aroha (Transitional Class for Girls/Women 12 and up)

8-9am Hula Dance Classes - 
Team Mana (Adv Hula- Co-Ed ages 12 and up)
Team Hoku (Interm Hula- Co-Ed ages 12 and up)
Team Moana (Transitional Hula- Co-Ed ages 12 and up)

9-10am Tahitian Drumming and Samoan Fire Knife Dance Classes-
Tahitian Drumming and Samoan Fire Knife every 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month (2 Classes per month) 
*In order to attend this class you must be registered in a Kalama Polynesian Dance Class (Hula and/or Tahitian) 

10-11am Kids Class (Boys and Girls 3-11yrs)-
9-10am Boys and Girls Hula, Tahitian, and specialty classes (Maori, Samoan Dance) 


Prerequisite- All students 12 and up must complete a 6 week beginners combo class or placed in appropriate level (try-outs)

Class Prices and Schedule


Kalama Polynesian Dance Class Tuition Rates-
$35 One time registration fee - Includes class folder, class uniform pareu (sarong), access to our closed Facebook page.

Tahitian Dance Class - $30 per month 
Hula Dance Class- $30 per month
Kids Class (Boys and Girls 3-11years old)- $30 per month
Tahitian Drumming and Samoan Fire Knife Dance Class- $7 per month 


We offer Volunteering/Fundraiser events for our students every month.  If you participate in one per month your tuition is 50% off (you must qualify to receive this discount) 


Kalama Polynesian Dance Class Saturday Schedule-
Location -Saturday @ Dance Scene Studios in Aurora, CO 


7-8am Tahitian Dance Classes 

8-9am Hula Dance Classes 

9-10am Tahitian Drumming and Samoan Fire Knife Dance Classes (2nd and 4th Saturday of each month) 

9-10am Kalama Polynesian Dancers (1st and 3rd Saturday of each month) *Professional Entertainment Group (CLOSED CLASS) 

Beginners Combo Classes are at Dance Scene Studios on Sundays 3-4pm.  These are a 5-6 week sessions.  
​These sessions are available now LIVE or ONLINE.  
Class Calendar
]]><![CDATA[Primrose Schools ]]>Sun, 02 Oct 2016 17:11:35 GMThttp://www.halaukalama.com/archive-diary-of-a-polynesian-dancer/primrose-schoolsThank you so much Primrose Schools for such an amazing week.  Three locations in three consecutive days.  You were a great audience and a pleasure to work with for Cultural Week.  We truly hope that we made your event special to the Children who attend your school as well as their parents and families.  See you next year! 

Glenda,
Hey – It’s Kayla, the event planner for Ken Caryl, Stapleton and Thornton Primrose.  I just wanted to tell you that you guys are ROCKING IT!  Our parents and staff and LOVING your show!  You are truly amazing with the children and engaging the crowd.  We are so excited for you to come to our Thornton school, as they typically have the biggest turn out.   Again, THANK you doesn’t quite cut it… you both have been the best cultural dancers we’ve had yet!

       Kayla Vandegrift
   Admissions Coordinator
        Primrose Schools
Thornton I Stapleton I Ken Caryl
     Mobile (303) 995-1419

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]]><![CDATA[Competition Dance Awards for Kalama Polynesian Dancers ]]>Tue, 23 Aug 2016 15:02:22 GMThttp://www.halaukalama.com/archive-diary-of-a-polynesian-dancer/competition-dance-awards-for-kalama-polynesian-dancersThe Polynesian Dance World is well - known World-Wide.  Tahitian dance is widely popular in Tahiti, The Mainland, and even in Mexico.  The Hula Dance is popular all over including in Japan.  When I started teaching online classes this past Summer most of my clients were not even in the U.S.  I have clients in Israel, Russia, London, Turkey, etc... it is just mind blowing.  
One of the reasons why Kalama Polynesian Dancers is so unique is because I believe that our group shouldn't just be a show group or performance group.  I also believe that working with other creative ideas within the group and with other groups is a way for the dancer and even the Kumu to evolve.  
So I try to do as much as I can even if I would love to do it all.  We have Traditional and Professional Polynesian Shows, Fire Shows, we Volunteer for the Community, we have a Halau with about 100 students, we have amazing instructors, we have a NonProfit that we dedicate ourselves to, we host workshops, and MORE!  
It was only a couple of years ago that we started competing in Polynesian Dance Competitions.  With all the things we do (we are not a group who solely does only competing) we decided to add competitions into the mix.  Although we are from Colorado that has not stopped any of the group members to travel and compete with all the Big Dogs.  
I am amazed at how well we represent ourselves in such a small amount of competitions we have attended.  To compete is actually super fun.  I love seeing my dancers talk and bond with other groups and instructors.  I love the whole competition atmosphere because you allow yourself to be vulnerable.  You allow yourself to be judged by people that you don't know but ... win or lose you gain a sense of self-confidence and determination to do better.  You learn from other dancers, drummers, instructors as well as growing your own style and having a goal to do better next time around.  
In competition there will always be obstacles (just like life itself) but Competition helps the Polynesian Dancer remain humble about their dance and also to understand that winning is not everything.  It is picking up the work and moving on to the next.  It is knowing that no one can define who you are.  
I am blessed to have Kalama in my life and extremely proud of those that have also placed in Competitions.  
We have put a mark on Colorado.  We are a land locked state and not on any Coast but we are oozing with Aloha and we will share it to the WORLD! 

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]]><![CDATA[Thank You Brookdale Senior Living ]]>Thu, 21 Jul 2016 21:40:35 GMThttp://www.halaukalama.com/archive-diary-of-a-polynesian-dancer/thank-you-brookdale-senior-living
We have so many clients that love us and want us back.  It is so amazing to be able to touch someone's life and be a part of their event year after year.  I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING.  They have been requesting our services every year and each year I always spice it up with a new show, new costumes, and new performances.  Mahalo Nui Loa!  See you next year! 
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]]><![CDATA[Live Hawaiian Music and Hula Dancing ]]>Sat, 11 Jun 2016 01:02:18 GMThttp://www.halaukalama.com/archive-diary-of-a-polynesian-dancer/live-hawaiian-music-and-hula-dancing"Grab a nice mu'u or pa'u skirt and meet me here!" 
It is always wonderful to do shows with live music.  Kalama Polynesian Dancers have collaborated with many musicians in Colorado including our very own Uncle Art Dacoscos, Stuart Yoshida, Uncle Siaosi Talitimu (Polynesian Fia Fia), Shan Oligo, Phillip Swain, etc...  Today I was able to go and perform for a Corporate Function with Uncle Johnny Coelho from Hawaiian Way.  Super laid back and just went up there to dance (Kanikapila Style) with whatever songs we knew.  Not all dancers can just "wing it" the Professional Way.  But for us it is a simple "Grab a nice dress or pa'u skirt and meet me here!".  This is where you dance from the heart, from past Hapa Haole Hula's you learned as a child, even those that you don't know but feel passionate enough to tell the story to the audience with your form of art- Hula.  Live Hawaiian Music is always soothing, welcoming, and fun to dance to. 
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