Whether you’re stepping into ‘Ori Tahiti for the very first time or ready to take your dancing to the next level, there’s a place for you here. Come learn, grow, challenge yourself, and experience the energy, culture, and connection that makes Ori Tahiti so special.
DANCE - CULTURE - LEGACY -
ABOUT US
Rooted in culture. Passed through generations.
At Le ’Ori Afi, we understand that ʻOri Tahiti is more than movement. We teach our dancers to respect the culture, understand the meaning behind what they perform, and carry that knowledge with pride.
OUR HERITAGE
OUR PUPU 'ORI
A place to belong, grow, and be challenged.
Whether you are stepping onto the floor for the first time or have danced for years, you are welcomed here. We support one another, celebrate each other’s growth, and hold each other accountable to becoming better dancers and better people.
OUR STANDARD
We believe growth requires discipline. Our dancers are expected to show up, work hard, respect their instructors and one another, and be willing to learn. You don’t have to be the best to belong here—you just have to be willing to grow.
MEET THE RA'ATIRA
TALIILANI K. CASEM
Taliilani Casem is the founder, Raʻatira, and lead instructor of Le ‘Ori Afi. Raised deeply within her Polynesian heritage, she began dancing at a young age and grew up competing in numerous ‘Ori Tahiti competitions and performing around the world.
An award-winning soloist, Tali is passionate about preserving and perpetuating Polynesian culture through dance. With the support and guidance of her mentors, Mevina and Napua Liufau, she was inspired to step into a new chapter of her journey, and in 2024, Le ‘Ori Afi was born.
Afi, meaning fire in Samoan, pays homage to Tali’s family and, specifically, her late grandfather, Paramount Chief Freddie Olo Letuli, known as the Father of the Siva Afi (Fire Knife Dance). His innovation of adding fire to the knife became a lasting part of his legacy—a flame that continues to fuel Tali’s own journey in dance and her commitment to perpetuating Polynesian culture.
Through Le ‘Ori Afi, Tali hopes to create the same opportunities for growth, connection, and self-expression that dance has given her—creating a space where dancers can build a strong foundation, discover their individuality, and thrive both in their craft and within themselves.
MOMI TOLENTINO
Lead Assistant Instructor
Momi has been involved in Polynesian Dance since the age of 2. Coming from a family of entertainers, you’d always find her near a musical instrument, drum, or in a pareu or hula skirt. Her love for dance and entertainment stemmed from her Puna and Papa, Kui and Nani Lee. Their legacy lives on through her aunties, uncles, brothers, sisters, cousins and now grandchildren.
Momi began dancing on the stage with her grandparents and parents, and slowly found a deeper love for ʻOri Tahiti. In her youth, she began competing with her mom and brother here in Hawaiʻi and on the continent. She traveled to Tahiti many times to learn from esteemed mentors. Her roots are with her mom’s Pupu ʻOri, Te ʻEʻa O Te Turama located on Hawaiʻi Island but she's been so blessed to be part of Tali’s new legacy here on Oʻahu with Le ʻOri Afi.
MEET OUR
ASSISTANTS
MEET THE ASSISTANTS
TANJA KAHIAPO
Assistant Instructor
Tanja’s love for ʻOri Tahiti began in childhood. At age eight, she won her first solo competition, earning first place in her division and the title of Miss Tamure, overall winner of Keiki ʻOri Tahiti 1991 on Oʻahu. Three years later, she placed third at Tahiti Fete.
At 16, Tanja continued her Polynesian dance journey as a performer aboard the Star of Honolulu, entertaining guests during sunset dinner cruises off Waikīkī.
After years away from Tahitian dance, she returned to ʻOri Tahiti as an adult and now serves as an assistant instructor, helping dancers build confidence, strengthen technique, and deepen their appreciation for the art.
Outside the studio, Tanja works as a Hawaiian Ambassador, sharing Hawaiian culture through hula, ʻukulele, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, history, and traditional crafts.
She is grateful to continue learning, teaching, and sharing the cultural traditions that have remained an important part of her life.