Rayna Lew

Ms. Rayna (she/her) began dancing Polynesian dance under the direction of Ms. Marilou in 2003. She quickly fell in love with all things hula and ‘Ori Tahiti and began competing in ‘ori solo competitions in 2004. She spent many years developing her solo technique and style, placing in multiple competitions like Manahere I ‘Ori Tahiti, Heiva I San Diego, Heiva Ma’ohi, Merced and Ori Tahiti Nui (Tahiti). She has had the honor of been a part of all of Te Pura’s award-winning Tahiti Fete production pieces as well as their award winning pieces at Hura Tahiti, Heiva I Reno, Heiva I Montreal, ‘Ori Tahiti Nui (mehura), Hura Tapairu Manihini. She is also grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in Te Pura’s exhibition at Merrie Monarch, SF’s Ethnic Dance Festival and countless community events to spread mana and aloha to all! She has been teaching since 2005 and joined Te Pura when it opened in 2006. While with Te Pura, she has been fortunate to have had opportunities to workshop under many masters as well like Moena Maiotui Teniaro, LaniGirl Kaleiki-Ahlo, Tiana Liufau, Keali’i Reichel and MANY more to learn different styles and further her knowledge. She also trained at the Tahiti’s Conservatoire Artistique/Te Fare ‘Upa Rau’s international workshops, co-garnering the best dancer award of her cohort alongside Ms. Shanna! Ms. Rayna is passionate about perpetuating the cultures of Hawaii and Tahiti and hopes to inspire a lifelong love of dance, respect for culture and dedicated work ethic in her students. She loves seeing the growth of her students year after year and cherishes the unique role of being able to teach dancers and then dance alongside them. In addition to Polynesian dance, she has also danced hip hop competitively in college and has dabbled in jazz, modern and ballet as well though she considers herself retired from those genres! You can find her teaching preschool or hanging out in Disneyland when she’s not at the studio!