Today we’d like to introduce you to Tulei & LaNika Tapii.
Hi Tulei & LaNika, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In January 2025 Island Style Productions was created by co-owners Tuleiileafi and LaNika Tapii. And although ISP is very young, our roots in song, dance, and music go back generations before us.
While Tulei was growing up on the islands of Hawaii participating in his families luau company, LaNika was following the footsteps of her Father and legendary Jazz guitarist Norman Brown. The two excelled becoming amazing performers in their own right. Spanning across decades of time and several genres of music and dance, the two have created a beautiful organization that is set on sharing the Polynesian culture through song and dance.
Our group has grown with a cast of over 50 people. And since last year, we have already performed over 100 times.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not the smoothest lol.
Creating a Polynesian dance group in the Midwest isn’t the easiest thing to start. Back in Hawaii where we’re from dancing is a year-round practice. It seems dance takes a backseat to other activities, leaving dances to being centered around specific events, holidays and primarily in the summer.
Our challenge is to share our culture and practices all year, dispelling the idea that what we do is only during war seasons or cultural events.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We teach Polynesian song and dance which ranges from Hula to Fire Knife dancing and everything in between. We also have our productions side that offers performances for all occasions.
We specialize in teaching all levels of Polynesian music & dance. We are known for providing exciting entertainment, particularly our amazing fire knife finale.
We are most proud of the people we have in our group and the growth they’ve all made together. And of the people we have impacted in a positive way.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Playing in the ocean has to be it for me. Diving, surfing, bodyboarding, spearfishing.
Pricing:
- ISP Membership $45/month
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.islandstyleproductions.com
- Instagram: @islandstylepro
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/islandstyleproductions
- Youtube: @islandstyleproductions
