Aloha! I rarely write online reviews, but there is a special local company that I would like to share with everyone. This review is totally voluntary and NOBODY has asked me to write it - just would like to share my wonderful experience and support a great group of people.
Earlier this year I discovered a local Polynesian dance company called Makanalani and enrolled my three year old daughter in their "keikis" classes. They let me try a class before signing up, and their monthly fee is only $25 a month for once a week, hour long classes. There was no registration fee, no contracts you had to lock into, and you didn't need to buy anything for the class. You cannot beat that price for dance classes! The owner and the ladies who taught her class are so talented and I knew right away they were the real-deal. They taught different types of dance, like Hula and Tahitian, as well as how to play different instruments, like the 'Ipu'.
I had noticed on their website that they perform Polynesian dance locally, and I asked them if they would come and surprise my daughter and our guests by dancing at her 4th birthday party. They without hesitation said yes. The owner Alicia and the two ladies who came to my house, Ali and Caitlin (who are also the dance class instructors) are so professional and emailed me back and forth several times before the party trying to clarify details and make sure everything was as I would like. I asked if they could teach the little kids at the party some dance moves and let them dance to some Disney songs. They did just that and they danced with them to the Little Mermaid song "Under the Sea" because we were having an Ariel party. The kids also danced to the Lilo and Stitch song. Ali and Caitlin did several other performances, changing their beautiful costumes between each one. They also went up to my daughter and told her 'Happy Birthday' and presented her with beautiful Lei, which was really special for her. Every single person at the party was amazed by them, from the youngest (1-year old) to the oldest (70 years old). I really think it would be hard to find something that could equally entertain every age group, but this really did! Caitlin and Ali are beautiful, extremely talented dancers. They seemed to be genuinely kind people and were so professional the entire time they were here. I would strongly recommend Makanalani for both their dance classes, as well as for having them come to your home to entertain your friends. Thank you Makanalani for making my daughter's birthday party more fun and memorable than we hoped for! read more