Xitlali has been a Polynesian dancer for over 25 years. She began dancing at the age of 6 with a small group named Ku'uipo 'O Hula in Norwalk, California. Ten years later, she joined a professional group, Hitia O Te Ra of Southern California, and continued dancing with them for 10 years. Continuing to study the Polynesian culture and dance has been very important to Xitlali. She has continued to learn from Malia of Hitia O Te Ra over the years and has also attended various Hula and 'Ori Tahiti workshops in person and online.
With Hitia O Te Ra, she was able to perform and compete in Nevada, Utah, Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Tahiti. Xitlali has done many performances over the past several years, including birthday parties, weddings, plays, retirement homes, a music video, and many others.
Xitlali has also had the opportunity to teach Polynesian dance to many children. She taught second grade students at an elementary school in California Polynesian dance and culture during their physical education period. Through the Heritage Arts Committee of the city, it later became an after school program. During her years as a prekindergarten teacher, she also taught her students a hula every year for the annual talent show.
Her goal is to continue teaching a love and appreciation for the Polynesian culture in Columbus, Ohio and now also in Appleton, Wisconsin, as well as continuing her education. She would like to spread knowledge of the beautiful dances to anyone who is willing to learn.
Aizel
Aizel Began her Dance journey with belly dance where she danced for four years. She joined Mahana Productions in 2016 and has dedicated herself to learning about the Polynesian culture and dance. Over the last five years Aizel has attended many workshops in Chicago, Ohio, as well as virtually from teachers all over the world. Some workshops were all about Hula and others were all about 'Ori Tahiti. Her heart has been fully immersed in Polynesian dance throughout the years.
Aizel quickly moved up to the performance group. She has performed at many festivals, retirement homes, birthday parties, and everything in between. In 2018 she became an assistant to Xitlali and took over the group logistics after Xitlali moved away. This year she started offering beginner classes in which she introduces dancers to the basics of 'Ori Tahiti and Hula. She is looking forward to teaching new and continuing students and to furthering her dance education.