Performances in Our Villages
Many at our halau participate voluntarily at community events, such as festivals and health fairs, art centers, and schools throughout California. At times, we also perform at Polynesian cultural events out of state (Hawai'i), and out of country (French Polynesia).
These volunteers also perform at convalescent homes, senior living, assisted living and adult day care centers. This gives them an opportunity to give back through entertaining and educating the public in Polynesian traditions, as well to develop confidence in their performance skills, and learn from other social interactions with a broad array of people.
They also offer stress relief, allowing us to support each other and our community emotionally and mentally. Our members are able to form long lasting friendships and benefit from a positive environment where our youth can develop healthy mental images of themselves and learn what it means to be part of our 'ohana (family).
These volunteers also perform at convalescent homes, senior living, assisted living and adult day care centers. This gives them an opportunity to give back through entertaining and educating the public in Polynesian traditions, as well to develop confidence in their performance skills, and learn from other social interactions with a broad array of people.
They also offer stress relief, allowing us to support each other and our community emotionally and mentally. Our members are able to form long lasting friendships and benefit from a positive environment where our youth can develop healthy mental images of themselves and learn what it means to be part of our 'ohana (family).
~Te Mau Ta'ata Anuanua
I have been involved in TMTA for four years, with my inspiration to be a part of the Te Mau Board stemming from several visits to Maui and one time to Oahu, which captivated my appreciation for Hawaiian culture and the islands' serene beauty. I’m privileged to be learning the history, traditions, and stories of Hawaii, along with my hula Sisters. I am grateful to have the opportunity to spread awareness and knowledge of these treasured tradition and family values to our community through hula. Aloha Nui Loa!
~BOARD MEMBER: GEORGETTE SWILLEY
I have been with the dance troupe for over two decades and teaching drumming class for almost 20 years. TMTA is a valuable community resource because it allows our students to explore a variety of musical techniques and instruments, learning to appreciate something besides their phone, and build teamwork and social skills.
~Board Member: Patty Callaghan
Workshops and Sponsored programs
While we try to promote Polynesian family values and ethics through our performances, we also support those with a desire for continued learning and additional training. We host workshops and seminars, open to the public, that allow us to share information about the daily life of Polynesia's indigenous peoples, their struggles, and the ways they have found to minimize their impact on the environment and the planet at large, helping to teach our community how to emulate the Mana (Spirit) of Aloha (Polynesian Way).
By introducing these cultural crafts and dance skills to our members and communities, we further support our neighborhoods and cities, providing cultural opportunities for engagement and family fun. This perpetuates and reinforces the importance of diversity and acceptance and encourage international relations through these shared cultural treasures, especially in our youth.
By introducing these cultural crafts and dance skills to our members and communities, we further support our neighborhoods and cities, providing cultural opportunities for engagement and family fun. This perpetuates and reinforces the importance of diversity and acceptance and encourage international relations through these shared cultural treasures, especially in our youth.
In 2024, we will be hosting "A Little Bit of Polynesia", a Polynesian festival that will showcase the unique cultural experience of the Polynesian people! It will be a family-friendly, fun-filled event for our community to attend, and will showcase music, dance, and games from many of the major island groups, along with some of the lesser known cultural traditions, helping us to expand our outreach to the under-served within our communities.
I've been dancing as part of our dance troupe for eighteen years, and joined Te Mau because I believe in what it stands for. I will always be dedicated to continuing the cultural traditions of Polynesian dance, and hope that Te Mau can be a driving force for social good in our communities for many years to come!