| mission statement :
Drums of Polynesia provides an oulet
of outstanding South Pacific Island Talent to the international
market, while heightening cultural awareness through our products
and services. We also maintain our authenticity and ensure company
growth by offerring continued training and educational opportunities
to our employees.
Drums of Polynesia is an International Production Company
specializing in all things Polynesian Performing Arts and Education.
We cater to all budgets from large corporate functions to small
intimate soirees.
Founded over 22 Years ago in Papawai, New Zealand, Drums of Polynesia
has enjoyed success in 3 Countries (New Zealand, Australia, U.S.A)
and is now based in Florida. It was born of a vision to provide
talented Pacific Islanders, with employment opportunities in the
Polynesian Entertainment / Performing Arts Industry. We seek individuals
adamant in their desire to preserve our culture through Education,
Workshops and Performances. Your initial internship will include
on-the-job Training from our own experienced Polynesian Instructors
and Leaders.
"Rapua te ara tika mou ake"
(Seek the Path that is right for you)
In its presentation of Polynesian Cultures, Drums of Polynesia
highlights the uniqueness of the Polynesian people. Our aim is
to share our love and passion for our cultural heritage, with
people the world over.
meet our directors:
RJ "Ropata Hemi" Rewi
Native of Aotearoa (New Zealand), Ngati Kahungunu iwi (tribe).
President & CEO Producer / Director
Born and raised in Masterton, New Zealand, this native Maori
began his professional debut at the age of 15 performing with
the Drums of Polynesia in Sydney, Australia.
He is an award-winning performer of the haka (Maori chant).
He has toured with several other Polynesian groups to Japan, Hawaii
and New York; and with the Mai Kai Islander Revue.
He established the South Florida troupe of Drums of Polynesia.
He has traveled extensively throughout Japan, other parts of Asia
and the U.S.A. He served as Dancer/Guide/Lead Educator in Australia
with the Victoria Arts Council, Northern Territory Arts Council
and New South Wales Arts Council for five year with a touring
Educational Program about Polynesian culture. He is a graduate
of Te Aute College in the Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.
Joe-anna Walters
Native of Aotearoa (New Zealand), Ngai Te Rangi (tribe)
Administration and Education
Trained at the Takitimu Performing Arts School in Hastings New
Zealand, this talented singer/musician toured with Kahurangi,
The Maori Dance Theatre of New Zealand for 11 years before joining
Drums of Polynesia in February of 2002.
A graduate of Waikato University (Maori Language) Takitimu Performing
Arts School (Maori Performing Arts) and Massey University (Early
Childhood Education) she majors in community workshops, master
dance / music classes and educational activities.
She has had the opportunity to teach and choreograph with groups
in London, Mexico, Australia as well as working closely with groups
from all over the United States and Canada.
U'ilani Kam
Native of Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i
Executive / Artistic Director & Choreographer
She has served as Executive & Artistic Director of Drums
of Polynesia since 1996 and the director of all aspects of its
teaching facility.
The name U'ilani means, "beauty of heaven", a name given
to her as a reflection of the heart.
By the age of four, her grandparents had begun her education in
Hawaiian culture and traditions, songs and dances. They spoke
fluent Hawaiian and passed this priceless gift onto her.
Today she is a contemporary choreographer and respected kumu hula
(hula teacher). She has also mastered and taught many other Polynesian
dance forms. She is a former member of the Mai Kai Islander Revue
where she served six years as Associate Director of Hawaiian Korean
heritage. She has studied and performed under the watchful eye
of many celebrated kumu hula at the most prestigious hula halau
(hula schools) in Hawai'i before leaving her village on the Big
Island to perform with the Mai Kai Islander Revue in Fort Lauderdale,
Florida.
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