Makamae Melia O’ Polynesia

- 10535 E Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95624

For California residents, particularly those in the Sacramento Valley and Elk Grove area, the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich, vibrant heritage of the Pacific Islands is found at Makamae Melia O’ Polynesia. Translating beautifully to “Treasured Plumerias of Polynesia,” this established dance school is much more than a place for lessons; it is a cultural 'Ohana (family) dedicated to preserving and promoting the authenticity of Polynesian culture through the art of dance, music, and language.

Founded on a deep passion for the Aloha Spirit, Makamae Melia O’ Polynesia provides a welcoming environment where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect with the stories, traditions, and spiritual energy—the Mana—of Polynesia. The Academy teaches the captivating movements of Hula (from Hawai'i) and 'Ori Tahiti (from Tahiti), along with other Polynesian dances and cultural practices. This commitment to cultural preservation ensures that students learn not only the technique of the dance but also the meaning, history, and customs behind each motion, fostering a profound respect for the heritage.

What started at California State University, Sacramento, has grown into a strong, active cultural center with dozens of members, including dancers, drummers, and artists. The founder and instructor, Rhea Riego Nunez, brings cherished childhood memories and extensive experience from Hawai'i and the mainland to every class, ensuring a high level of instruction and cultural integrity. For California families seeking a positive and enriching activity for their children—or themselves—Makamae Melia O’ Polynesia offers a genuine connection to island life right here in the Golden State.

Makamae Melia O’ Polynesia is centrally and conveniently situated in Elk Grove, California, serving as an accessible cultural anchor for the broader Sacramento region. Its location makes it easy for students and families traveling from surrounding communities in Northern California to participate in weekly classes, rehearsals, and cultural events.

The dedicated studio space is located at:

10535 E Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95624, USA.

In line with its inclusive and welcoming ethos, the facility prioritizes accessibility for all community members. The Academy features a Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring ease of entry into the dance studio and cultural space. Furthermore, Wheelchair accessible parking lot spaces are provided, offering convenience and security for students and visitors with mobility needs. This commitment reflects the school's desire to be a truly open cultural hub where everyone in the California community can share in the joy of Polynesian arts. The facility is officially utilized as a 'School - Specialized Education and Training Studio,' underscoring its role in cultural and physical enrichment.

Makamae Melia O’ Polynesia’s programs are structured to offer a comprehensive education in Polynesian culture and performing arts for all ages and skill levels, from keiki (children) to adults:

• Hula Dance Instruction: Classes focusing on both Hula Kahiko (ancient hula) and Hula 'Auana (modern hula), teaching the grace, storytelling, and history of Hawaiian culture through movement.
• 'Ori Tahiti (Tahitian Dance) Classes: Energetic and intricate lessons dedicated to the dances of Tahiti, including the fast-paced Ote'a and the fluid Aparima, emphasizing rhythm and cultural context.
• Polynesian Cultural Enrichment: Beyond dance, the school incorporates elements of cultural awareness, traditions, stories, and possibly drumming and language (Reo Tahiti) to ensure students understand the full context of the art form.
• Performance Group (Hui): Students have the opportunity to join the performance group, which regularly showcases authentic Polynesian dance at various cultural events, corporate functions, and private parties throughout Northern California.
• Dance Competitions: The Academy actively participates and regularly competes in regional and international Hula and Tahitian dance competitions, providing a platform for dedicated students to showcase their skills and cultural understanding.
• Specialized Education and Training: Operating under a non-profit fiscal sponsorship, the Academy is committed to raising cultural awareness and promoting physical, spiritual, and cultural enrichment through their specialized education and training programs.
• Community Workshops and Events: Makamae Melia O’ Polynesia frequently collaborates with local organizations, such as the City of Elk Grove, to offer cultural dance lessons and captivating live performances to the public.

For California residents seeking an authentic cultural experience, Makamae Melia O’ Polynesia stands out due to its adherence to cultural integrity and its success as a performance group:

• Authentic Cultural Focus: The instruction is rooted in deep respect for cultural heritage, ensuring that the traditions, stories, and customs of Hawai'i and Tahiti are taught with integrity and passed down authentically.
• Award-Winning Performance Group: The Academy is recognized as an award-winning Polynesian dance group, with students regularly placing and excelling in major regional and international Tahitian dance competitions.
• Dedicated to the Aloha Spirit and Mana: The school strives to surround its 'Ohana with positive Mana (spiritual energy/power) and genuinely gives the Aloha Spirit to all who walk through its doors, fostering a nurturing and positive learning environment.
• Good for Kids: The programs are explicitly designed to be beneficial for children, promoting physical fitness, cultural education, and a sense of belonging within a supportive, family-oriented group.
• Experienced Instructor with Island Roots: The founder brings firsthand experience and cherished memories from a childhood spent in Hawai'i, providing students with a direct and heartfelt connection to the Polynesian culture.
• Community Engagement: Beyond the studio, the group plays an active role in the Sacramento and Elk Grove community, performing and offering lessons at local civic and cultural events.
• Inclusivity: The school embraces diversity, welcoming dancers, drummers, and artists of all ages and ethnicities, reinforcing the core Polynesian value of a unified 'Ohana.

To begin your journey into the beauty and spirit of Polynesian dance and culture, contact the Makamae Melia O’ Polynesia team directly:

Address: 10535 E Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95624, USA

Phone: (916) 753-3195

Choosing Makamae Melia O’ Polynesia is choosing a path of cultural enrichment and personal development that resonates deeply with the spirit of California. For parents and individuals in the Elk Grove and Sacramento region, this dance school offers a vital alternative to typical dance classes, focusing instead on the holistic preservation and celebration of a beautiful world culture. The opportunity to learn Hula and Tahitian dance directly from an experienced instructor with genuine ties to Hawai'i is invaluable. Students don't merely learn steps; they become storytellers, gaining an understanding of the language, history, and customs that form the foundation of the dance.

Furthermore, the school's established success in regional and international competitions validates the high quality of instruction and training offered. For children, the environment is exceptionally positive and nurturing, explicitly labeled as "Good for kids," where they can develop discipline, coordination, and confidence while forming positive friendships within a strong 'Ohana structure. The commitment to cultural enrichment, combined with an open, accessible facility, makes Makamae Melia O’ Polynesia an essential and treasured cultural center that continues to spread the joy and positive Mana of Polynesia throughout California.

Makamae Melia O’ Polynesia

10535 E Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95624, USA