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Tehani Staff
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| Rhea Pera Polynesian Dance Instructor Hi everyone! I am a 21 years old and originally from Daly City. I am Currently a student at San Jose State University with a major in Nursing as well as a minor in Health Science. I have been dancing since I was 10 Years old. I've had the pleasure of learning all of my skills and knowledge about hula and tahitian from Auntie Julie ever since I started moving my hips. With her encouragement from the beginning, I've danced with the Professional Dance Troop, Spirit of Polynesia, competing in award winningTahiti Fetes (solo and group), working with the dance community of WSPA in Daly City, dancing at the annual luau for San Jose State's Polynesian Club and volunteering at community centers to teach younger children the basics of hula and Tahitian. Took 2nd place in Manahere O Tahiti Competition, 2007. Along with hula and Tahitian, I've learned to appreciate and enjoy other types of dance such as hip hop and numerous folk dances of the Filipino culture. Some other facts about me are that I really do LOVE to dance everything and anything. I LOVE the color purple and I enjoy baking anything. But on a final note, I look forward to teaching everything that has been taught to me about the love of dancing, whether it may be Tahitian, hula or adding your own personal style of dancing!!! |
Maureen Tecson Hip Hop Teacher Another blessing to our studio is the wonderful Hip Hop Teacher we have Maureen. She is an outstanding role model and teaches for the Alvarado Elementary School in Union City. She is a fun and loving teacher your kids will enjoy learning some smooth hip hop moves from Maureen. More info to come. |
Tehani Dance Studio Director: JULIE TEHANI BUGARIN
I started dancing at a very young age. My dad was born on the
Island of Oahu on the north shoreside, Wailua. At age 4.5 my
parents started me dancing with Nelani Rogers in San
Francisco. As a teen I was invited to dance in a Professional
Performing group, Spirit of Polynesia where their roots came
from the late great Tiare Clifford. There I attained great
showmanship, competition experience and a lifetime of
friendships. I have participated in several award winning
projects both as dancer and choreographer. And have
attended many workshops with kumu hulas and various ra'atira
available in our area and abroad. I am happily married to my
high school sweetheart and a mother of 2 beautiful little hula
girls. For a detailed history of experience please see resume
here
I started dancing at a very young age. My dad was born on the
Island of Oahu on the north shoreside, Wailua. At age 4.5 my
parents started me dancing with Nelani Rogers in San
Francisco. As a teen I was invited to dance in a Professional
Performing group, Spirit of Polynesia where their roots came
from the late great Tiare Clifford. There I attained great
showmanship, competition experience and a lifetime of
friendships. I have participated in several award winning
projects both as dancer and choreographer. And have
attended many workshops with kumu hulas and various ra'atira
available in our area and abroad. I am happily married to my
high school sweetheart and a mother of 2 beautiful little hula
girls. For a detailed history of experience please see resume
here
Mayosh Room
Ballet Instructor
I started my love affair with dance at age 5. I received my early ballet
training from New Manila Ballet Center in the Philippines. I took a
break from dance when I was 12 years old and switched to
gymnastics for a year and a half before we moved to the U.S. I
resumed dance in high school when I joined the cheerleading squad.
When I got to college, I decided to take a few Ballet and Jazz classes
for stress relief. Before I knew it, I had taken a bunch of Modern,
Jazz and Ballet classes. At that point, I decided to get my minor in
Dance. At the same time, I joined "Barkada," the Filipino organization
at Santa Clara University. I ended up getting heavily involved as a
dancer and teacher of Filipino cultural dance while I was attending
SCU and for several years afterwards. My love for Filipino cultural
dance led me to dance with Barangay Dance Company which was a
great learning experience for me. I stopped dancing for several years
as I focused on being a busy working Mom, but my love for dance
wouldn't let me stay away. I had always wanted to learn Hula, so
when I came across the flyer for Tehani Dance Studio, I thought it
was a perfect way to start dancing again. The rest is history. I was
hooked from the first day I took a class from Julie. I love Tehani
because it is truly a community and because Julie truly teaches in
the name of love. When she asked me to teach the Kinder Ballet
class, how could I say no? I am the proud Mom of a little ballerina
named Melia, and I am thrilled to be a Hula Mom at Tehani!
Ballet Instructor
I started my love affair with dance at age 5. I received my early ballet
training from New Manila Ballet Center in the Philippines. I took a
break from dance when I was 12 years old and switched to
gymnastics for a year and a half before we moved to the U.S. I
resumed dance in high school when I joined the cheerleading squad.
When I got to college, I decided to take a few Ballet and Jazz classes
for stress relief. Before I knew it, I had taken a bunch of Modern,
Jazz and Ballet classes. At that point, I decided to get my minor in
Dance. At the same time, I joined "Barkada," the Filipino organization
at Santa Clara University. I ended up getting heavily involved as a
dancer and teacher of Filipino cultural dance while I was attending
SCU and for several years afterwards. My love for Filipino cultural
dance led me to dance with Barangay Dance Company which was a
great learning experience for me. I stopped dancing for several years
as I focused on being a busy working Mom, but my love for dance
wouldn't let me stay away. I had always wanted to learn Hula, so
when I came across the flyer for Tehani Dance Studio, I thought it
was a perfect way to start dancing again. The rest is history. I was
hooked from the first day I took a class from Julie. I love Tehani
because it is truly a community and because Julie truly teaches in
the name of love. When she asked me to teach the Kinder Ballet
class, how could I say no? I am the proud Mom of a little ballerina
named Melia, and I am thrilled to be a Hula Mom at Tehani!
Eureza Lavitoria
Polynesian Dance Instructor
Currently attending San Francisco State University with a BS in
Kinesiology, Exercise Science and Movement Studies with the hopes of becoming
a Doctor in Physical Therapy one day. Enjoys studying how the body functions
especially in motion. Started dancing Hula and Tahitian with Kaulana Na Pua O'
Hawaii/Ehulani's Otea in Hayward. Participated in May Day Festival, Ia Oe Ka La
Festival, and Heiva I Reno and placed 3rd in Group Otea and 1st in Aparima.
Joined Merahi O Tehani in 2006, and started competiting as a soloist in
San Jose Tahiti Fete, Tarena Tahiti, Merced Fete, and soon Las Vegas
Solo competitions. Participated in the 49er halftime show in 2006. Assists
in teaching the Union City After School Discovery Program.
Certifications: First Aid and CPR
"Plumerias accentuate her face. Her hair blows along with the palm
trees. She glistens as the sun reaches her skin. Her beautiful dress flows down
to her feet. Her hands telling an ancient story. Her hips swaying to the songs
of the ukelele... This is her love, her passion, her joy. This is what I have come
to be, with the one and only... Merahi O Tehani
Polynesian Dance Instructor
Currently attending San Francisco State University with a BS in
Kinesiology, Exercise Science and Movement Studies with the hopes of becoming
a Doctor in Physical Therapy one day. Enjoys studying how the body functions
especially in motion. Started dancing Hula and Tahitian with Kaulana Na Pua O'
Hawaii/Ehulani's Otea in Hayward. Participated in May Day Festival, Ia Oe Ka La
Festival, and Heiva I Reno and placed 3rd in Group Otea and 1st in Aparima.
Joined Merahi O Tehani in 2006, and started competiting as a soloist in
San Jose Tahiti Fete, Tarena Tahiti, Merced Fete, and soon Las Vegas
Solo competitions. Participated in the 49er halftime show in 2006. Assists
in teaching the Union City After School Discovery Program.
Certifications: First Aid and CPR
"Plumerias accentuate her face. Her hair blows along with the palm
trees. She glistens as the sun reaches her skin. Her beautiful dress flows down
to her feet. Her hands telling an ancient story. Her hips swaying to the songs
of the ukelele... This is her love, her passion, her joy. This is what I have come
to be, with the one and only... Merahi O Tehani