Polynesian Dance & Culture · Colorado Springs, CO

Where the
Spirit of the
Pacific Lives

Celebrating Hawaiian, Tahitian, Samoan, Tongan, and Māori traditions through dance, music, and cultural storytelling — rooted in Colorado.

Tribal manta ray logo
12+
Years of dance
40+
Performers
501(c)(3)
Nonprofit
5
Island traditions
What we do

Culture, community & celebration

Mānava O Polynesia brings the heart of the Pacific to Colorado Springs — honoring ancestors, building community, and inspiring the next generation.

🌺
Performances
Live shows at festivals, schools, corporate events, and cultural celebrations across Colorado.
🥁
Classes & workshops
Open classes in Hula, Ori Tahiti, Sasa, and more — all ages, all skill levels welcome.
🌊
Cultural education
School outreach and community programs sharing Polynesian language, history, and values.
Mission statement

Sharing the soul of Polynesia

Mānava O Polynesia exists to preserve and share the rich cultural heritage of Polynesian peoples through dance, music, and storytelling. We are committed to building community, honoring our ancestors, and inspiring the next generation in Colorado Springs.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we believe cultural arts should be accessible to everyone. All proceeds support youth programs, community outreach, and cultural preservation.

Co-founders

CM
Charlene Maneafaiga
Co-Founder & Artistic Director
Born in Samoa, Teuila began dancing at age 5 and brings 25+ years of traditional Polynesian performance to every student she teaches.
RZ
Roland Zell
Co-Founder & Executive Director
A Colorado native with Tongan heritage, Marama leads nonprofit partnerships, community outreach, and educational programming.
Founded in Colorado Springs with a shared dream: to give Polynesian families a cultural home — and open those doors to the entire community.
Instructors

Dance instructors

NP
Namdev Palalay-Singh
Hula
Instructor
EN
Emily Nakatani
Hula
Instructor
MV
Margaret Va'aulu
Samoa
Instructor
AZ
Alyssa Zell
Tahitian (Vahine)
Instructor
FC
Francisco Carmona
Tahitian (Tāne)
Instructor
Board

Nonprofit board

JM
Jocelyn Margate
President
Board
AR
Aaliyah Rodriguez
Vice President
Board
NJ
Noni Jacob
Treasurer
Board
JP
Jonathan Put
Secretary
Board
AB
Andrew Buck
Sergeant at Arms
Board
Jun
14
Summer Luau Showcase 2026
Memorial Park · Colorado Springs, CO · 5:00 PM · Free admission
Jul
4
Independence Day Cultural Festival
Acacia Park · Colorado Springs, CO · 2:00 PM
Aug
22
Back to School Hula Workshop
1845 N Academy Blvd · Colorado Springs · 10:00 AM · All ages
Oct
11
Annual Polynesian Night Gala
Antlers Hotel · Colorado Springs, CO · 6:30 PM · Fundraiser

Send us a message

Location

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Email

aloha@manavaaopolynesia.org

Follow our journey