Aloha, thank you for visiting Makamae Melia O' Polynesia's website. We hope to provide information about our halau (dance group), about the Polynesian culture, about our local cultural events in the Sacramento region - and most important, about our Aloha Spirit!
OUR NAME
Our halau name, Makamae Melia O' Polynesia, translates to Treasured Plumerias of Polynesia. Our instructor, Rhea Riego Nunez, spent her childhood in Hawaii. As a keiki (child), her fondest memories are of her Kumu (teacher) handing out Plumeria flowers to all of the children - to tuck behind their ears before each dance practice. Those memories have been carried forward, and now grace the name of our halau.
OUR BACKGROUND
From Hawaii to the mainland, Rhea combined all of her memories, experiences and passions - and created Makamae Melia O' Polynesia. In 2001, Rhea plus a handful of talented students founded the group at California State University, Sacramento. At its inception, Rhea taught dances of the many Polynesian cultures - including Hawaii, Tahiti and Maori. Five years later, Makamae Melia O' Polynesia continues to grow strong, with over 75 active members including dancers, drummers and artists of all ages and ethnicities.
EVENTS AND COMPETITIONS
Centrally located in California's Elk Grove and Sacramento region, Makamae Melia O' Polynesia regularly performs at various cultural events and private parties. The halau also regularly competes in regional Tahitian competitions - including the Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete, Heiva i Reno and the San Jose Tahiti Fete.
As we continue to grow, we would like to extend a warm welcome for everyone to experience Makamae Melia O' Polynesia's Aloha spirit. For more information, please click on the "Contact Us" link to reach one of our members.
Mahalo Nui Loa!
(Thank you very much!) |
