TONGAN DANCE by DEENO of FA'ONELUA
MARCH 14, 2026 WORKSHOPS
WHERE: 2925 College Ave, Unit B1 Costa Mesa, CA 92626
PAYMENT: $50 per workshop
SIGN UP HERE
If you are unable to attend these workshops in-studio, you may take it online via Zoom.Com. Check out our online options HERE
GUEST ARTIST
Deeno (Okusitino Vainuku)
Deeno, also known as Okusitino Vainuku, is a proud Tongan cultural practitioner, choreographer, and founder of Fa’onelua Dance School. Born and raised in Rose Park, Salt Lake City, he is the son of Tevita NauhaÊ»amea and Pipiena Mele Koloa Halai-Vainuku. On his mother’s side, he is the grandson of Mele Ê»Uhalangakali Kioa Halai and Halatapu Penisimani Tafuna-Halai. On his father’s side, he is the grandson of Sione Tolo and Telesia Tuli Vainuku.
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Deeno hails from the villages of Ê»Uiha, KolomotuÊ»a, Matahau, Niutoua, Kolonga, and Pangai (Navea) in the Kingdom of Tonga. He comes from a respected lineage of punake (composers and cultural knowledge holders) and chiefs, descending from the Ê»Api ko Vate “Angakehe” family line — a family widely known for its composers and cultural leadership within the Island Kingdom of Tonga.
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With over 20 years dedicated to teaching and preserving Tongan dance, Deeno’s work goes far beyond choreography. While he continues to grow in language and cultural knowledge, he teaches with deep respect for protocol, genealogy, and meaning — ensuring that every movement carries intention and cultural pride. His Fa’onelua style blends traditional foundations with refined stage presence, clean formations, expressive storytelling, and disciplined technique.
Throughout his career, Deeno has mentored hundreds of students — from young beginners to seasoned performers — instilling confidence, cultural pride, discipline, and excellence. He has coordinated workshops, prepared soloists representing multiple island lineages, and led both in-person and online training sessions to reach Tongans locally and across state lines.
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As an entrepreneur and cultural leader, Deeno’s mission is to preserve and elevate Tongan culture for future generations. He is committed to creating spaces where youth feel empowered, families feel connected, and heritage is honored with authenticity, integrity, and heart.
Fa’onelua Dance School
Fa’onelua Dance School was founded with the vision of preserving, strengthening, and elevating Tongan culture through dance, mentorship, and community unity. For over two decades, the school has served as a foundation for disciplined, confident, and culturally grounded performers.
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Rooted in ancestral knowledge and guided by lineage, Fa’onelua carries the influence of punake tradition — honoring composition, storytelling, rhythm, and cultural protocol. The school specializes in traditional Tongan dances including TauÊ»olunga, MaÊ»uluÊ»ulu, Ta Nafa, Lakalaka, and men’s Mako performance pieces that emphasize strength, unity, and leadership.
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The Fa’onelua style is recognized for its precision, graceful and intentional hand movements, powerful formations, strong stage presence, and cultural authenticity. Students are not only taught choreography — they are taught respect, discipline, humility, and the responsibility that comes with representing Tongan culture.
More than a dance school, Fa’onelua is a cultural family. Through group classes, one-on-one mentorship, workshops, and online instruction, Fa’onelua continues to connect Tongans near and far while ensuring that the art of Tongan dance remains strong, visible, and thriving for generations to come.
Womens Tau'olunga
10-12pm for ages 13+​
This workshop will focus on the traditional Tongan TauÊ»olunga, taught in Fa’onelua style. The TauÊ»olunga is a graceful and expressive solo dance traditionally performed by women in Tonga. It highlights elegance, storytelling through intricate hand movements, controlled footwork, soft transitions, and refined posture. In this class, participants will learn foundational techniques, musical interpretation, stage presence, and cultural context, all while building confidence and refinement in movement.
FeMALE CHILDREN'S Tau'olunga
12:30PM TO 2:30PM FOR AGES 7-12
This workshop is designed specifically for younger dancers and will also focus on the TauÊ»olunga in Fa’onelua style. The TauÊ»olunga teaches discipline, grace, timing, and cultural pride. Students will learn age-appropriate choreography while focusing on proper hand gestures, coordination, rhythm, and expression. The class will also emphasize understanding the meaning behind the movements and building confidence as young Tongan performers.
MAKO MEN'S WORKSHOP
3PM TO 5PM FOR AGES 10+
This workshop will focus on a traditional men’s dance from Tonga, centered on strong, grounded movements and unity. The Mako style emphasizes powerful arm sequences, sharp formations, rhythm, and masculine presence. It represents leadership, strength, storytelling, and brotherhood within Tongan culture. Participants will learn synchronized choreography that builds stamina, precision, and commanding stage presence while honoring the cultural roots of the dance.