INSTRUCTORS
DULCE GUTIERREZ
Dulce's dance career began at the age of five at a local park community center in the neighborhood where she grew up. She later ventured into the Tahitian culture, learning the importance of staying open-minded to new teachings and understanding why she dances. Dulce encourages dancers to dive deeper into Tahitian culture while respecting its art enough to perfect it properly with love and eagerness.
In 2022, Dulce had the opportunity to fly to Tahiti for the first time and compete in the OTNWC - a life changing experience. She aims to continuously soak in any knowledge passed down to her, and to share it with generations - creating memories for eternity.
LONA KAUEHAILUA MANU PACHECO
Lona is a retired high school special education teacher of 34 years, now enjoying retired life with her husband, children and two granddaughters. Lona joined Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands 25 years ago, and has been an instructor for over ten years. Her purpose teaching hula is to preserve and maintain the integrity of the Hawaiian culture and has taken active steps to do so. Lona expresses her excitement for Lokelani's in this new journey as Fale Polynesia.
MIRA CLUTTER
Originally from Seattle, WA, Mira's dance journey began at Hula O Leilani with Kumu Marge Lehualani Hunt and her alaka'i Kumu Krista Moanike'alanalehua Espiritu. After moving to Huntington Beach, she joined Lokelani's ROTI in 2009, expanding her knowledge of Polynesian dance to Tahiti, Sāmoa, and Aotearoa, soon becoming a lead showgirl, instructor, and award-winning dancer.
She hopes to pass her passion of Polynesian dance to her students in a fun, positive environment where all students feel welcomed, encouraged, and inspired.
Mira graduated from Washington State University with a BA in Advertising and currently works at Daltile as a Senior Architectural Representative. She's married to her husband, Travis, since 2013 and they live in Huntington Beach with their mini Goldendoodle Brooks and sassy kitty Emma.
NOA LIDA
Noa has been dancing with Fale Polynesia since she was six and has become an award-winning soloist and one of our lead showgirls. She loves participating in competitions and brings joy and energy to her time on stage. During the pandemic, she brought home 3rd place Junior Overall at Te Ori Ora in 2021. She leads our Mahina class, co-directs our competition soloists, and supports our Hine class.
Noa encourages her students to approach every lesson with an open mind and heart. Her focus is to create a positive and supportive space where everyone can learn, grow, improve their technique, and connect with Polynesian culture.When she’s not in the studio, she enjoys spending time outdoors and hopes to travel around the world in the future, so you might see her everywhere!
PATTY BOYETTE
Patty has been dancing for over a decade and performing professionally for the past 8 years. Her journey began with Lokelani’s Rhythm of the Islands and continued with Fale Polynesia, where her love and respect for all Polynesian cultures deepened. As both a performer and instructor, Patty has grown tremendously—continually learning and embracing each style with passion, dedication, and purpose.
She aims to instill in her students a deep respect for the cultures, their dances, and languages. Her teaching emphasizes strong foundational technique, cultural understanding, and the importance of expressing one’s mana through movement. Patty creates a welcoming and supportive space where dancers of all levels feel empowered to connect to culture, find pride in their identity, and dance with authenticity and intention.
TIANA RAMOS
Tiana is a professional and competitive dancer at Fale Polynesia. She is also an instructor for our Mahana class, Pupu Here Solo Team, and Hine class. She has been dancing since the age of 3, and started teaching at 17 years old. Tiana describes dancing as her backbone and her safe space. Dance has given her the space to grow, challenge herself, and guide her through life. She wishes to instill the same life lessons she once learned through dance into her students. Tiana hopes her love for the Polynesian culture radiates and helps other students grow in their passions. Shoot for the stars and never look back!
KOLEI KUMĀ - FRESNO
Mālō ‘E Lelei! This is Kolei Tevita Etoni Kumā, our boys and men instructor at our Fresno branch. Kolei has danced Hula, ‘Ori Tahiti, and other Polynesian art forms since the age of five. He has been a teacher sharing the dances of Polynesia for 16 years, starting at just 14 years old. Kolei expresses his fulfillment in teaching and performing Polynesian dance by its ability to beautifully share about who we are as a people of the Pacific.