We’re passionate about sharing our knowledge and keeping the culture alive.
Meet Julie
Ra’atira, Julie Manea Charles, hails from the island of Tahiti, where her love for dance blossomed from a tender age. She began her dance journey before taking her first steps, honing her skills in various schools under the tutelage of renowned teachers such as Makau Foster and Lorenzo Schmidt. At just 15, she began performing professionally with Les Grands Ballets de Tahiti, showcasing her talent in hotels and venues across many countries. While dancing with Hei Tahiti, it was Tiare Trompette's encouragement and mentorship that inspired her to pursue her passion for teaching dance, leading her to find her true calling.
In 2009, Julie relocated to Las Vegas, where she joined the Tevakanui Polynesian Dance Group. By 2012, her dedication and expertise had led her to a teaching position at Rau Tama Nui, where she taught for seven years. In 2019, driven by her dreams, Julie founded her own dance school. Today, she continues to inspire others through her artistry and unwavering dedication. Julie's journey exemplifies her deep commitment to embracing and expanding her knowledge about her culture to enrich the experiences of her students, ensuring that the spirit of ‘Ori Tahiti and culture thrives in every lesson.
Meet Kaniala
Daniel Edward Kamea’aloha Charles, known to most as Kaniala, was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. He relocated to Las Vegas in 2000. After living in the desert for a few years, he reconnected with his Polynesian roots through learning cultural arts within the community. Since then, he has immersed himself in different Polynesian traditions, guided by mentors who shaped him into the performer he is today. Kaniala has been a fire knife dancer and Polynesian dancer for 20 years.
Kaniala is the co-founder and lead drummer of Pupu ‘Ori Te Nati, alongside his wife Julie Charles. His dedication to preserving and sharing Polynesian culture is evident in his performances and teachings, contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of Las Vegas.
Meet Jonathan
Jonathan Ludovico “Uncle Jonny,” originally from the Bay Area, California has been dancing and teaching ‘Ori for over 26 years. Jonathan started dancing in 1997 with the group ‘Otea Api under the direction of Anthony Waipa Manaois. He has danced and competed in various countries such as Mexico, Canada, Japan, and Tahiti.
In 2006, Jonathan moved to Las Vegas, where he taught ‘Ori and mentored boys and men from different groups. He continued to deepen his understanding of the Tahitian culture, learning Reo Tahiti (Tahitian language) from the famous linguist Moenau Rivera and dancing in the Heiva I Tahiti with the legendary group Temaeva for two years.
In 2020, Jonathan joined longtime friends Julie and Kaniala Charles to open Pupu ‘Ori Te Nati. Here, he has been teaching ‘Ori and spreading his love for the Tahitian culture in all aspects of life. Dancing, music, language, and arts are a few things he shares with the students at Te Nati.
“When I pass on knowledge, I want my students to feel what it’s like to be in Tahiti every time they dance, sing, or drum. Tahitian culture is not just a part of me, it is me.”
Meet Kumu
Maxine Kawahine Ho'omanawanui Charles-Aulelava, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Charles, was born and raised in Kaneohe, Oahu. Her passion for hula began at age 5, dancing with her sisters and neighbors. At 10, she joined Kuhai halau 'o Kawaikapuokalani under Kumu Kawaikapuokalani Hewitt after being inspired by his performance at the Kanikapila Festival Concert.
In the 1990s, Kawahine moved to the Leeward side of Oahu, stepping away from the halau to explore career opportunities and nurture her 'ohana. She continued to dance under various kumu hula in Honolulu. In 1999, she returned to Kaneohe with her son, Keala Aulelava, rejoining the halau under Kumu Ula Hewitt and Kumu Kahealani. She eventually became fully immersed in Kumu Kahealani's halau.
In 2001, Kawahine moved to Ka'a'awa with her partner, Mike. In 2009, Kumu Kahealani entrusted Kawahine with teaching responsibilities, marking the start of her kumu hula training. She earned her uniki rights as a kumu hula in a private ceremony on September 11, 2011.
In June 2016, Kawahine established her own halau in Kaneohe. After facing location issues, she earned degrees in Hawaiian Studies and Creative Media New Technology. In May 2021, she relocated to Las Vegas and became the primary Kumu Hula at Pupu Ori Te Nati and launched the Hawaii Abroad Audio Podcast project.
Kumu Kawahine remains dedicated to preserving and sharing Hawaiian culture and the art of hula. With the support of her 'ohana, students, and community, she continues to carry the traditions of Hawaii into the future, enriching the cultural landscape of Las Vegas.
Meet the Assistant Team
These dedicated assistants help Julie instruct ‘Ori Tahiti classes, embodying the spirit of teamwork and community. It truly takes a village to nurture and share the beauty of Tahitian dance.
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Nani Kitashima, a native of Maui, was immersed in the art of hula from a young age, thanks to her mother's influence. Her journey expanded at ten years old when she discovered 'Ori Tahiti, a passion she has pursued ever since. She has been a student under Julie's guidance since 2008.
Nani also serves as a Registered Respiratory Therapist, where she wholeheartedly dedicates herself to the care of patients. She finds her career to be a fulfilling blend of challenges and rewards, highlighting her commitment to making a positive impact in healthcare.
Nani dedicates herself to teaching the Tamahine class, ages 8-13, channeling her passion to empower these young dancers with confidence through their dance. She emphasizes values of humility, respect, and love in her teachings, shaping not just dancers but individuals with a strong sense of self-worth. When reflecting on her connection to dance, Nani expresses, "Dance will carry on without me, but I cannot go on without dance."
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Having immersed herself in the art of ‘Ori Tahiti, under the expert guidance of Julie Manea Charles since 2013, Kaya finds herself in a position of gratitude as the assistant instructor for the Tamari’i class, ages 4-7.
She has a special connection with young children and feels it's a God-given gift. She finds joy in helping children grow and learn.
Amidst her dedication to dance, Kaya is concurrently pursuing her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her passion lies in nurturing the minds of young learners, fostering within them a love for lifelong learning and self-expression through the captivating art form of ‘Ori Tahiti.
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Kristina was born in Hawaii and grew up in the “9th island.” She has over 20 years of experience in Polynesian Dance. She specializes in Ori Tahiti and has trained in Hula, Maori, and Siva. She has over 16 years of experience teaching group fitness classes at local gyms in Las Vegas.
Aside from dancing, Kristina is health inspector for the Southern Nevada Health District. Her duties include: conducting routine inspections, investigating restaurant complaints, and training the community about food safety practices. Her experience as an inspector has taught her to be organized, detail-oriented, and to have strong interpersonal skills, which are qualities she brings to the studio.
She has had the privilege to learn from Kawai Silulu, Anthony and Teura Manaois, and has been under Julie Charles’s direction since 2019. As a Hawaiian residing on the mainland, dancing allows her to stay immersed in the Polynesian culture, connecting her to her heritage. She is the assistant instructor for the Purotu class, intermediate ages 30+. Her passion is to perpetuate and preserve the Polynesian culture through dance, music, and community.
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Born on Oahu and raised in Hilo, Big Island, Lindelle Aleka Healohakamalani Kamanu, has a rich heritage of Hawaiian, Tahitian, Māori, and Vietnamese descent. Her dance journey began young, training in Hula under Kumu Johnny Lum Ho and Tahitian dance under Hei Tiare in Hilo.
She moved to Las Vegas, performing with Tamaeva Ari’i under Tetua Ioane and Hālau ‘O Moanike’ala under Kumu Hula Ipolani Silva. By 15, she was teaching and dancing professionally. She taught ‘Ori Tahiti, sign language, hula and ministry at her home church and with 9th Island Productions.
Healoha danced with Tevakanui and Nani Ola before focusing on her company, Lokahi Studios. In 2019, she joined Pupu ‘Ori Te Nati, and is now assisting the Hine class, intermediate 14+. She is also on her Hula Alaka’i & Ho’opa’a journey under Kumu Kawahine Charles-Aulelava.
Lindelle’s background in education includes teaching at the Aveda Institute and L Makeup Institute, as well as mentoring in tattooing, permanent makeup, body piercing, and various forms of art.