With family roots in Tahiti, French Polynesia, my passion for Polynesian dance began long before cultural resources were readily available online. Raised as a military child in the United States, I spent my youth seeking every opportunity to learn about the dances, histories, and traditions of Polynesia through books, research, networking, and mentorship from Polynesian communities I lived in. My journey led me to learn and perform with Polynesian cultural groups and school clubs in Tacoma, Washington; Daly City, California; and Colorado Springs, Colorado. These experiences fueled a lifelong commitment to preserving and sharing the rich cultural traditions of Polynesia with communities far from the islands.

Since 1995, I have taught hundreds of children and adults throughout the Polynesian dance traditions, helping students develop not only technical skill, but also a deeper understanding of the history, values, and cultural significance behind each dance. I firmly believe that education is the foundation of cultural preservation, and I am passionate about teaching both dancers and the public about the diverse cultures of Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia.

As Co-Founder of Mānava O Polynesia and lead instructor, I have dedicated decades to creating opportunities for cultural education, community engagement, and authentic performance. Under my leadership, Mānava O Polynesia has become a respected cultural and educational organization committed to sharing the spirit, stories, and traditions of the Pacific Islands with audiences throughout Colorado and beyond.

For me, Polynesian culture is more than dance — it is identity, family, heritage, and responsibility. Deeply ingrained in my soul, my mission is to ensure that the legacy of Polynesian dance continues to thrive for future generations and to provide a cultural home for those who share the same admiration and love for the islands, no matter how far away they may be.

I’m proud to have been one of the founding members of Mānava O Polynesia. Along with my wife Sheila and our oldest daughter and original Tahitian instructor, Aaliyah, we have been blessed with the opportunity to spread the joy of Tahitian dance and drumming.

This gift has been passed down to our younger daughters, Alyssa and Anna, who continue teaching Tahitian dance. We are thankful and give all our respect to those that we learned from such as Da Island Way, Te Mau Ta‘ata Anuanua, and Ta Ere Tia‘i. As the original lead drummer of Mānava O Polynesia, I’m proud to have supported our dancers with their development in Tahitian Ori and Otea dances.