NOURISHING OUR FUTURE
BY PERPETUATING OUR HERITAGE

Mika has been immersed and training in Polynesian arts since she was 2 years old, dancing beside her momma at Tahitian and Hula practices. In 2020, after receiving the blessing of her ra'atira, Mika was passed down the leadership role of Ora Nui. It was her time, as the next generation, to guide, to teach, and to perpetuate her culture. With the change in leadership came a new name as well - Anavai O Te Ora "the river of life." 

 

Her dance background in Polynesian dancing and arts is extensive.

Tahitian - 17 years
Agnes Manuma (Matila) aka Aggie - Ali'itasi
Mervin Lilo & Pua Baker - Maohi Nui

Maurakau & Kapa Haka (Maori Martial Arts) - 2 years
Matua Makekau - Te Fare Tu Taua O Aotearoa Toi Hawaiki

Fireknife - 2 years
Natalie Oloa - Mauga Mu

Siva Samoa - 1 year
Tusisaleia Hope Pomele - Salei'a Dance

Hula - 13 years (officially)
Mom

Noheanani Pa - Ka Pa Olapa O Na Pua Kukui

She is determined to see her cultures thriving and being represented correctly in the future. She loves teaching and is dedicated to educating the community about Pacific Island cultures through music and dance.​ It is her big dream to one day have a space where Pacific Island youth can reconnect to their roots and find community. A place with ALOHA as its foundation, just like her great grandma and grandpa raised her with.

While hula will forever be her first love, Ora Nui's former ra'atira, Roxie aka "Tevai" by many, has been dancing and teaching 'Ori Tahiti for over 20 years.

 

Like many keiki growing up in Hawai'i, Roxie first learned hula at home from family members. She instantly fell in love with the music, the movements, and the stories. This drove her to find her first kumu, Aunty Kapi'olani of Halau Ke Kia'i A O Hula where she spent most of her keiki years learning. However, it was dancing with Aunty Kau'i Serrao at Na Malama Polynesian Dance Studio that she expanded her knowledge into other Polynesian dance forms. She danced until torn ACL's in both knees forced her into retirement. She was able to compete one last time with her pupu ori Marania Haoragi in 2011 before hanging up her pareu to take on a different roll. With the blessing of her ra'atira Aunty Tahia Foster, Roxie moved to Washington where she opened Ora Nui Tahitian Dance Studio. With her sister, Charlie, the two kept the doors open for over 10 years before passing the torch to Roxie's daughter, Mika who now leads the group as Anavai O Te Ora.

​

Hula - 15 years

Aunty Kapi'olani - Halau Ke Kia'i A O Hula

Kau'i Serrao - Na Malama Polynesian Dance Studio

Kau'ionalani Kamana'i - Hula Halau O Kamuela

​

Tahitian (Dancing) - 15 years

Tahia & Makau Foster - Marania Haorangi/Tamariki Poerani

Agnes Manuma - Maohi Nui

Kau'i Serrao - Na Malama Polynesian Dance Studio

​

Bachelor's in Hawaiian Studies from UH

​

"Dance was and still is my life. Family and perpetuating our pacific island cultures mean everything to me. Mauruuru and mahalo for riding this river with us. Anavai... IMUA!"