Home | Contact



 
Ma ka hana ka 'ike
(literally, in working one learns)
Knowledge is gained through experience
 
 
My name is Lisa Noelani Robbins and I am the Director and Dance Instructor for Polynesian Dance Studio located in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.  I offer demonstrations, lessons, and special events in Hampton Roads and in Richmond and surrounding areas. Learn from a real island girl. :-)
 
I also teach Polynesian dancing to keiki (children) via Kinderhula. I also offer lessons and special events in sewing, Hawaiian quilting, and more via 'Ohana Arts Studio .  
  
I have been dancing since I was 4 years old. The basics were taught to me by my mother who was a professional hula dancer. 
 
I love my culture and I am proud to be part Hawaiian. I am honored to share my culture with Hampton Roads. I grew up in Hawaii. Hula and music is my heritage. My mom's cousin is Kihei DeSilva who is a cultural specialist and historian, He is married to my aunt, the well-known kumu hula, Mapuana DeSilva, who taught me hula for a period of time as a high school student at The Kamehameha Schools.
 
Kamehameha is a school that was established for educating Hawaiian children. While there, I was formally educated in Hawaiian history, culture, music, and protocols.  I was also introduced to many cultural authorities, such as Nona Beamer (who taught hula and encouraged cultural pride), Wayne Chang, Les Ceballos, and many others.
 
My brothers, Bruce 'Aukai Tam-Hoy and Charles Keli'i Tam-Hoy, are awesome ukulele players.  I also have many friends and family whom are both casual, family-style musicians and hula dancers and also professional entertainers in the islands.
 
I am the Hampton Roads' Ambassador of Aloha. :]  My intent is to perpetuate authentic Polynesian culture and traditions.
 
My goal is to teach the art of authentic Polynesian dancing and share our culture. My students will learn some of the culture and language of Polynesia and  they will learn to appreciate the art of dance.  You will develop coordination and experience the gift of telling a story through dance. Polynesian dancing is fun, educational, and great exercise!
 
 
Polynesian Dance Studio is an 'ohana (family-) based studio.  
 
 
A hui hou (a hoo-ey ho) Until we meet again! (Hawaiian)
 
Haere maru! (Ha-ay-ray mah-roo) Take care! (Tahitian)
 
Mahalo (Thank you),
Lisa Noelani Robbins
 
 
 
 
Nana I Ke Kumu
(Look to the Source)