We’re passionate about sharing our knowledge and keeping the culture alive.

Meet Julie

Ra’atira, Julie Manea Charles, hails from the island of Tahiti, where her love for dance blossomed from a tender age. She began her dance journey before taking her first steps, honing her skills in various schools under the tutelage of renowned teachers such as Makau Foster and Lorenzo Schmidt. At just 15, she began performing professionally with Les Grands Ballets de Tahiti, showcasing her talent in hotels and venues across many countries. While dancing with Hei Tahiti, it was Tiare Trompette's encouragement and mentorship that inspired her to pursue her passion for teaching dance, leading her to find her true calling.

In 2009, Julie relocated to Las Vegas, where she joined the Tevakanui Polynesian Dance Group. By 2012, her dedication and expertise had led her to a teaching position at Rau Tama Nui, where she taught for seven years. In 2019, driven by her dreams, Julie founded her own dance school. Today, she continues to inspire others through her artistry and unwavering dedication. Julie's journey exemplifies her deep commitment to embracing and expanding her knowledge about her culture to enrich the experiences of her students, ensuring that the spirit of ‘Ori Tahiti and culture thrives in every lesson.

Meet Kaniala

Daniel Edward Kamea’aloha Charles, known to most as Kaniala, was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. He relocated to Las Vegas in 2000. After living in the desert for a few years, he reconnected with his Polynesian roots through learning cultural arts within the community. Since then, he has immersed himself in different Polynesian traditions, guided by mentors who shaped him into the performer he is today. Kaniala has been a fire knife dancer and Polynesian dancer for 20 years.

Kaniala is the co-founder and lead drummer of Pupu ‘Ori Te Nati, alongside his wife Julie Charles. His dedication to preserving and sharing Polynesian culture is evident in his performances and teachings, contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of Las Vegas.

Meet the Assistant Team

These dedicated assistants help Julie instruct ‘Ori Tahiti classes, embodying the spirit of teamwork and community. It truly takes a village to nurture and share the beauty of Tahitian dance.

  • Nani Kitashima, a native of Maui, was immersed in the art of hula from a young age, thanks to her mother's influence. Her journey expanded at ten years old when she discovered 'Ori Tahiti, a passion she has pursued ever since. She has been a student under Julie's guidance since 2008.

    Nani also serves as a Registered Respiratory Therapist, where she wholeheartedly dedicates herself to the care of patients. She finds her career to be a fulfilling blend of challenges and rewards, highlighting her commitment to making a positive impact in healthcare.

    Nani dedicates herself to teaching the Tamahine class, ages 8-13, channeling her passion to empower these young dancers with confidence through their dance. She emphasizes values of humility, respect, and love in her teachings, shaping not just dancers but individuals with a strong sense of self-worth. When reflecting on her connection to dance, Nani expresses, "Dance will carry on without me, but I cannot go on without dance."

  • Kristina was born in Hawaii and grew up in the “9th island.” She has over 20 years of experience in Polynesian Dance. She specializes in Ori Tahiti and has trained in Hula, Maori, and Siva. She has over 16 years of experience teaching group fitness classes at local gyms in Las Vegas.

    Aside from dancing, Kristina is health inspector for the Southern Nevada Health District. Her duties include: conducting routine inspections, investigating restaurant complaints, and training the community about food safety practices. Her experience as an inspector has taught her to be organized, detail-oriented, and to have strong interpersonal skills, which are qualities she brings to the studio.

    She has had the privilege to learn from Kawai Silulu, Anthony and Teura Manaois, and has been under Julie Charles’s direction since 2019. As a Hawaiian residing on the mainland, dancing allows her to stay immersed in the Polynesian culture, connecting her to her heritage. She is the assistant instructor for the Purotu class, intermediate ages 30+. Her passion is to perpetuate and preserve the Polynesian culture through dance, music, and community.

  • Born on Oahu and raised in Hilo, Big Island, Lindelle Aleka Healohakamalani Kamanu, has a rich heritage of Hawaiian, Tahitian, Māori, and Vietnamese descent. Her dance journey began young, training in Hula under Kumu Johnny Lum Ho and Tahitian dance under Hei Tiare in Hilo.

    She moved to Las Vegas, performing with Tamaeva Ari’i under Tetua Ioane and Hālau ‘O Moanike’ala under Kumu Hula Ipolani Silva. By 15, she was teaching and dancing professionally. She taught ‘Ori Tahiti, sign language, hula and ministry at her home church and with 9th Island Productions.

    Healoha danced with Tevakanui and Nani Ola before focusing on her company, Lokahi Studios. In 2019, she joined Pupu ‘Ori Te Nati, and is now assisting the Hine class, intermediate 14+. She is also on her Hula Alaka’i & Ho’opa’a journey under Kumu Kawahine Charles-Aulelava.

    Lindelle’s background in education includes teaching at the Aveda Institute and L Makeup Institute, as well as mentoring in tattooing, permanent makeup, body piercing, and various forms of art.


  • With twelve years of training in ‘Ori Tahiti, Casey’s journey as a dancer and instructor is rooted in discipline, respect, and purpose. Under the guidance of Julie Manea Charles, she has developed a strong foundation grounded in growth and dedication to the art. While ‘Ori Tahiti is not her own culture, Casey approaches the practice with deep respect and gratitude, honored to teach within the school.

    Casey teaches Tamahine and Poti‘i classes (ages 8–13) and assists in training soloists for competition. Teaching has become a meaningful extension of her dance journey, allowing her to foster confidence, resilience, and self-belief in the youth she mentors.

    Outside of dance, Casey is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, and continues her studies in the legal field. She also serves as Director of Marketing for her family’s business, Caring One Home Health and Hospice.

    Balancing her professional life with her passion for ‘Ori Tahiti, Casey teaches with humility, intention, and care, honoring both the dance and the next generation she guides.

  • Having immersed herself in the art of ‘Ori Tahiti, under the expert guidance of Julie Manea Charles since 2013, Kaya finds herself in a position of gratitude as the assistant instructor for the Tamari’i class, ages 4-7.

    She has a special connection with young children and feels it's a God-given gift. She finds joy in helping children grow and learn.

    Amidst her dedication to dance, Kaya is concurrently pursuing her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her passion lies in nurturing the minds of young learners, fostering within them a love for lifelong learning and self-expression through the captivating art form of ‘Ori Tahiti.