Business Details
31 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School for Hula & Tahitian Traditions in Temecula
At Puahi's Polynesian Dance, we are dedicated to preserving and teaching the traditional dances of Hawai'i and Tahiti, fostering a deep connection between dancer, spirit, and culture. Founded in 1995 by Brenda 'Puahi' Malick, our studio has grown from home-based lessons to a respected institution in Temecula Valley, where we emphasize the authentic essence of Hula and Tahitian dance. Our mission is to strengthen the cultural significance of these art forms while nurturing a community that values tradition, creativity, and legacy. Puahi's expertise, cultivated through decades of study and collaboration with Kumu Hula Rich Pedrina, ensures our students receive rigorous training grounded in the customs of Kahiko (traditional Hula). We take pride in preparing dancers for prestigious competitions, including the King Kamehameha Hula Competition and Southern California Tahitian Dance events, while maintaining a commitment to cultural education and artistic excellence.Our approach combines technical precision with spiritual and historical understanding, creating a holistic learning environment. With over 25 years of experience, we continue to expand our knowledge and share the beauty of Polynesian dance with future generations. Our studio welcomes all who seek to explore these rich cultural traditions through movement and storytelling. Transparency, cultural integrity, and community engagement remain central to our practice, ensuring every student gains both skill and profound appreciation for these dance forms.
Services
Hula Dance Classes
Tahitian Dance Classes
Cultural Education
Competition Training
Studio Tours
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of specialized Hula and Tahitian dance instruction.
- Our curriculum is rooted in traditional practices taught by certified Kumu.
- We provide access to prestigious cultural competitions in Hawai'i and Tahiti.
- Our studio emphasizes spiritual and historical context alongside technical skill.
- We maintain partnerships with Hawaiian cultural experts for authentic learning.
Services
Hula Dance Classes
Learn authentic Hawaiian Hula dance techniques rooted in cultural traditions. Our classes emphasize spiritual connection, historical context, and technical precision. Students train in Kahiko (traditional) styles under certified instructors with decades of experience.
Tahitian Dance Classes
Master the dynamic movements of Tahitian dance with instruction focused on cultural authenticity. Classes combine technical training with lessons on Tahitian heritage, preparing students for both performance and competition settings.
Cultural Education
Explore Hawaiian and Tahitian traditions through immersive cultural education. Our curriculum covers language, history, and ceremonial practices to deepen understanding of dance origins and significance.
Competition Training
Develop competition-ready skills for Hula and Tahitian dance events. We provide specialized coaching for solo and group performances, including stage presence, choreography, and traditional presentation standards.
Studio Tours
Experience our Temecula Valley studio through guided tours showcasing our teaching environment. Visitors learn about our history, cultural artifacts, and training methods used in preserving Polynesian dance traditions.
People
Brenda Puahi Malick
Owner/Director
Founder of Puahi's Polynesian Dance since 1995, Brenda 'Puahi' Malick has dedicated her career to teaching authentic Hula and Tahitian dance. She trains under Kumu Hula Rich Pedrina and has developed a curriculum emphasizing cultural preservation.
Questions
What makes Puahis different from other dance studios?
We focus exclusively on traditional Hula and Tahitian dance with cultural context, taught by instructors certified in authentic practices.
Do you offer classes for all age groups?
Yes, we provide instruction for children, teens, and adults with varying experience levels in Polynesian dance forms.
Are there performance or competition opportunities?
We prepare students for regional Tahitian dance competitions and the King Kamehameha Hula Competition in Hawai'i.
How do you incorporate cultural education into dance training?
Our curriculum includes lessons on Hawaiian and Tahitian history, language, and traditions to deepen understanding of dance origins.
Is prior dance experience required to join?
No prior experience is needed. We welcome beginners and provide progressive training from foundational techniques.
How does Puahis handle data privacy?
We comply with GDPR standards and have a Data Protection Officer to ensure secure handling of personal information.