Stage Manager/Assistant Creative Director /Line Dancer
Tehane Perry was born and raised on the island of Kauai and was introduced to hula at the age of 3. She was lucky enough to have the talented and legendary Lovey Apana as her first Kumu hula, who gave her the discipline, love and respect for her dance and culture. Throughout the years she’s been able to travel and share her passion with countries around the world.
In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors with her husband Kekoa near their home in Lawai. Whether she is on stage performing or in the background, the story of Kalamaku touches her inner core with a pride unlike no other.
Tehane would like to thank the cast and crew of Luau Kalamaku for their talents and the creator, Nani Marston, for this once in a lifetime experience she gets to share with guests each week.
Dancer
Shawn Merseburgh was born on Kauai and raised on Oahu. Throughout high school he was a part of a Cook Island group which entertained for many local parties. Shawn left Oahu and moved to Kauai in 2000 where he became involved with several luau productions. He then joined Luau Kalamaku where he enjoys both dancing and drumming.
Ka Uhane o Ke Kai (understudy)/Dancer
Dara was born and raised on the island of Kauai. She attended the university of Montana-Western and enjoyed being an integral part of the Polynesian club. Before joining Luau Kalamaku, Dara entered and place in various Tahitian competitions in San Jose, Oahu, Maui and Kauai.
Being a Polynesian performer has enabled Dara to also study Tahitian dance in Tahiti and perform in Lanai, Montana, and Hong Kong. In her spare time Dara enjoys being with her family and friends. Her hobbies include going to the beach, surfing, and dancing hula, traveling and snowboarding.
Luau Kalamaku incorporates all aspects of Dara’s Polynesian dance training and she appreciates and values the uniqueness of the show.
KA UHANE O KE KAI/MO’O DRAGON WAHINE
Krystal Marie started dancing at a very young age. Being from Puerto Rico she began her dance education with different Latin styles such as salsa, bachata, merengue and cumbia. She moved to Kauai at the age of 15 and began to explore other forms of dance. She became mesmerized by the music and movement of Raqs Sharqi, known in the USA as belly dance.
She has traveled around the world studying, performing and winning numerous awards to make a name for herself in this particular style. Since moving to Kauai she has made a home here and fallen in love with island and its culture. Her broad knowledge and experience in numerous styles of dance has made it easy for her to appreciate the Hawaiian-Polynesian culture. Once she became familiar with its rich history, she knew she wanted to be a part of it.
Krystal can think of no better way to honor that by becoming a part of the Luau Kalamaku ohana and share the history of the islands to its audience.
ARI (UNDERSTUDY)/DANCER
Preston was born and raised in Kapaa, Kauai. He graduated from Kamehameha High School Kapalama Campus in 2002 and holds a BA in both Business Management & Economics from Whiworth University located in Spokane, Washington.
He started performing professionally at the age of 14, and feels that the uniqueness of Luau Kalamaku is found in its theatrical representation of the Hawaiian people’s migration to Hawaii coupled with state of the art technology.
When not performing at Luau Kalamaku, Preston is a full-time Construction Engineer and enjoys Spearfishing, volunteering at his local church, and spending “QT” time with his wife and family.
ORAMA (UNDERSTUDY)/DANCER
She was born a Hawaiian native and raised on the island of Kauai, growing up on the east side of the island. Lahela started dancing at a young age of 2yrs old and started performing at the age of 5yrs old, both hula and Tahitian. On her spare time she likes to do outdoor activities and spend time with family and friends.
To Lahela the one thing that is special about dancing for Luau Kalamaku is the story of their history and how they intertwine different stories together. She especially thinks that the luau wouldn’t be great without the AWSOME cast that they have!
MO’O DRAGON WAHINE/KA UHANE O KE KAI (UNDERSTUDY)
Marni Kaduce has always loved, and been inspired by live performance. She saw her first fire performance over 15 years ago. It was love at first sight! Within a year she was spinning fire with friends for fun. This hobby turned into a profession for her over 10 years ago. She has performed on the neighboring islands, as well as the mainland throughout her career. Marni has been here at the luau for 7 years, and looks forward to another 7!
ORAMA (UNDERSTUDY)/DANCER
Malia was born and raised on the island of Kauai. Dancing hula and Tahitian was something that she grew up doing. She started at the age of 5 and kept going until now. She loves dancing at Luau Kalamaku. They have an awesome cast and she gets along with everyone. The story line is absolutely magnificent! She likes how it’s not only about a voyage but a love story as well. The show really portrays the importance of the culture, or at least that’s what she feels.
The show is not only a job it’s something she enjoys doing. She also does other things though. She likes to surf and hike, pretty much be outside! She would definitely recommend the Luau Kalamaku to anyone. Even though she’s a dancer, when she watched the show for the first time it was awesome!
MO’O DRAGON WAHINE (UNDERSTUDY)
A live theatre enthusiast and actress since grade school, Rita Manderfeld a native of Wyoming moved to the island of Kauai ten years ago and began her fire dancing training shortly after. She has worked with a local troupe performing at private events and taught beginners poi spinning at The Children of the Land.
MO’O DRAGON WAHINE
Robin Piretti always dreamed about performing in front of a large audience. She moved to the island of Kauai from upstate New York in 1999. Robin was trained as a fire dancer in 2011 and got the part as a substitute fire dancer in the Luau Kalamaku in the fall of that year. She has found much joy at being part of the cast.
She loves performing at the luau and supporting the event as a substitute dancer. Robin lives on the North shore and has been taking care of estates and private homes for many years.
MO’O DRAGON WAHINE
Kaia grew up in the Caribbean in Jamaica, Trinidad, and Barbados. She then lived in Canada but found her way back to the sun in 1998, when she moved to Kauai. Kaia has been living on the East side in Kapahi ever since. Kaia learned spinning fire in 1996 with some traveling Gypsies and started a fire dancing troupe on Kauai in 1998.
Kaia has been performing on the Hawaiian Islands and overseas for the past 11years. Presently Kaia co-manages and dances in an all women’s fire performing troupe, Soul Fire. Kaia has always loved the circus, costumes, festivals, music and dancing. When Kaia is not spinning fire, she can be found hiking in Nature with her 3 dogs, swimming in the ocean, kayaking, gardening, or doing art of some form.
Kaia has a degree in Social Work and also works for the YWCA as a sex assault crisis counselor.
MO’O DRAGON WAHINE
Skylar was born in New York City where she was exposed to theater at a young age. She always shared a love of dance, music, and performance. Skylar spent her childhood in N.Y.C, and moved to L.A. to pursue a career in production, she worked behind the scenes in film.
In 1995 she came to Hawaii, the warmth, tropical scents and hula beckoned her. She never returned to the mainland. Skylar landed on Kauai bound for a new direction, to follow a simpler path and live closely with the earth, sea and spirit. In 2000 Skylar began to spin fire, she was drawn to the warmth and tribal rhythm of the Maori poi balls as it fulfilled her desire to dance and perform.
Skylar feels blessed and honored to be part of this amazing story and hopes that Luau Kalamaku touches every one with a feeling of hope, inspiration and infinite possibility.
MO’O DRAGON WAHINE
Amalia grew up playing in the creeks, ocean and hills of Sonoma County, California. She has traveled independently through out Mexico and South East Asia. During her travels she discovered the art of fire dancing. Having a background in Egyptian bellydance and African Dancing she embraced the fire as an instrument of self expression.
After landing on Kauai Amalia became instantly magnetized to the island and felt the calling to make beautiful luscious Kauai her home. When the creator of Luau Kalamaku approached her troupe with a permanent position as a Dragon Women in the Luau she felt incredibly blessed and grateful for her dynamic fire dancing experience.
The story line of mysticism within a love story is true to Amalia’s heart for she is a true romantic enjoying walks on the beach with her husband. In her spare time she practices nursing, yoga, dance, and enjoys life.
KAMAKANI ULIULI (THE BLUE WIND)
Nalani attributes her deep love of Hawaiian music to her father and her vocal talents from her mother. Raised on Kauai she fondly recalls nights playing the ukulele and singing along with her family in their living room. Now you may find her strolling with her ukulele in the courtyard of Gaylord’s restaurant. You may also find her playing the ukulele or bass guitar for beach weddings and graduation parties. Nalani has proudly been apart of Luau Kalamaku from its infancy.
She plays a character Kamakani Uliuli (The Blue Wind) and on Friday evenings she is center stage as the Mistress of Ceremonies. By day she is a Registered Nurse and when she is not working or performing you may find her with her surfboard and beach chair soaking up the warm Kauai sun.
ARI/ FIRE KNIFE DANCER
While growing up, Fred was very active in martial arts and sports. When he was 8 years old he saw one of his uncles perform the (Siva Afi) or Samoan Fire Knife Dance at a luau for the first time. From then on he was inspired by the excitement and the thrill of what he calls “playing with fire.” Right after high school a former Samoan Fire knife dancer by the name of Sia Salausa taught Fred the basics of spinning and dancing with a fire knife. A year later, Fred began dancing at private parties and special events.
In the later months of 2014 Fred was ask to dance temporarily at Luau Kalamaku. Shortly after seeing Fred’s commitment, he was asked to be a permanent line dancer and backup fire knife dancer. Fred’s love and passion for performing has been with us ever since. He’d like to thank the management and fellow cast members for the love, support and energy which has kept up his burning desire!
KAMAKANI ULIULI (THE BLUE WIND) & CHANTER
Larnelle is a Kauai native who is passionate about expressing her love for Hawaiian and other Polynesian cultures through song and dance. She truly enjoys working at Luau Kalamaku and sharing that passion while on stage with other cast members as well as the audience.
Aside from the luau, Larnelle also enjoys playing music and entertaining around the island with her husband Lenny Brezee. Together they share their love of music and hope that one day their daughter Brielle will continue in their footsteps.
ARI (UNDERSTUDY) & DANCER
At a young age, Donovan learned the art of Hawaiian song and dance through family performers and musicians. He graduated from Kauai Community College with an Associates Degree and a certificate in Hawaiian Studies and the Hawaiian Language. He had opportunities to perform and participate in local events honoring Tahitian Dance, Hawaiian Music, and the beloved Queen Liliuokalani.
In addition to Donovan’s dedication to the Hawaiian culture, he is also a licensed Realtor in the state of Hawaii. Although his talents and skills make him a great performer, his connection with the cast and crew ohana drives his passion for being a part of Luau Kalamaku.
KA UHANE O KE KAI
Annabelle d’Artois, born and raised in Montreal, Canada, is a trained modern dancer, circus performer and yoga instructor. Since 2003 she has traveled and performed with various groups including The Caravan Stagebarge Theatre (US and Canada), The Underground Circus (British Columbia), Public Dreams Society (BC), Firebelly (BC) and Soul Fire(Kauai).
Through Luau Kalamaku, she has discovered the joy of connecting and sharing with thousands of people from around the world, every week. When she’s not performing, Annabelle is teaching yoga and circus aerial skills in trees around the island. She lives on Kauai with her husband Chris and their canine daughter Iki.
Annabelle would like to send much love, admiration and gratitude out to the entire cast and crew of Luau Kalamaku.
ARI/FIRE KNIFE DANCER
Paul began performing at a later age than most Polynesian entertainers (19 yrs old). He learned to dance hula while working at the Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, under Kumu Hula Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett. In later years, Paul also learned the art of Tahitian dance from the late Teitu Kameanui.
In 2002, the former fire knife dancer at the Kauai Coconut Beach Luau show was attacked by a tiger shark while body boarding in Poipu. He ended up losing his leg. Paul, who had no formal training, was given an audition two days later. Paul was given the opportunity to perform on stage the very next night.
Since then Paul has entered a few competitions, including the Hilo Tahiti Fete (winning 1st overall, Tane), Kauai Polynesian Festival 2007-2008 (2nd place in fire knife competition), and World Fire Competition. Paul currently teaches fire knife in his spare time.
CHOREOGRAPHER: TAHITIAN SEGMENT/ORAMA
Pualani grew up in Tahiti, French Polynesia then move to New-Caledonia. She has been a professional performer since the age of 5. She finds her strength in her children and her family, who is very supportive of what she does and is always there for her. Her father is her teacher, her mentor and her best friend.
She loves Tahitian dancing, playing music, going to the beach, reading, listening to music, camping, best and not last spending time with the children, family and friends. Luau Kalamaku is a reminder to her of what her ancestors accomplished. In Polynesian history, they were the greatest sea travelers and she is very proud to be part of this story.
THE FATHER/MUSICIAN
Michael was born and raised on Kauai and graduated from Kapaa High School. He then went on to further his education at Northeast Missouri State University and graduated with a BSE in Physical Education with a minor in Health Education. Michael played music in high school and got more serious about it after graduating college in the early ‘70’s.
“Hawaiian” is the root of his music but he enjoys many different styles. Michael has been a musician/entertainer/composer on Kauai for over 40 years. He also served as a worship leader for his home church for many years. He loves working at Luau Kalamaku because of the tight knit cast and crew. Work is always fun!!! In his spare time he enjoys bow hunting, diving and spending time with his family.
THE FATHER
Anson is a musician but also shares the role of the father and is currently training for a fire technician position in the show. Besides being a full time musician and part time ukulele instructor in Kauai’s Elementary and Middle School level, he is a stay-at-home parent.
He has been involved in theatre for most of his life and studied music theory & ensemble, musical theatre, and sound & lighting/set design in college. The most memorable theatre events he recalls are during his travels; New York to see “Cats” on Broadway, “Miss Saigon” in London’s East End, “The Phantom of the Opera” at the Paris Opera House, and Cirque du soleil’s “O” and ” Mystere”.
Anson is very grateful for this opportunity and thanks his family and all who have made his theatrical journey come this far.
THE FATHER/MUSICIAN
Anson is a musician but also shares the role of the father and is currently training for a fire technician position in the show. Besides being a full time musician and part time ukulele instructor in Kauai’s Elementary and Middle School level, he is a stay-at-home parent.
He has been involved in theatre for most of his life and studied music theory & ensemble, musical theatre, and sound & lighting/set design in college. The most memorable theatre events he recalls are during his travels; New York to see “Cats” on Broadway, “Miss Saigon” in London’s East End, “The Phantom of the Opera” at the Paris Opera House, and Cirque du soleil’s “O” and ” Mystere”.
Anson is very grateful for this opportunity and thanks his family and all who have made his theatrical journey come this far.