TE AO MANA

TE AO MANA

Te Ao Mana creates opportunities for Pacific Islanders to connect to their artistic heritages, explore their creative processes, and present contemporary performances to Pacific Islander and Non Pacific Islander audiences. These opportunities share holistic depictions of contemporary Pacific Islanders that disrupt dominant cultural narratives about Pacific Islander people.

Two people wearing traditional Polynesian costumes on a bridge with city skyline in the background.

Tradition and Innovation

Performers in nature, one with tribal tattoos and floral costume, another veiled with colorful flowers, expressive pose, outdoor setting.
Two women performing a Tahitian dance outdoors, wearing strapless tops and pare (skirts), with shell necklaces and bracelets, people in the background.
Four dancers in innovative Polynesian attire performing outdoors, wearing colorful skirts and elaborate headdresses, surrounded by lush green trees.

Established in 2016 by Founders/Directors Anthony Aiu and Kaina Quenga, Te Ao Mana expands the presence of Polynesian culture worldwide through the creation of new work, specialized classes, workshops, and performances.

The group draws on their rich ancestry and focuses on connecting with their tupuna, (ancestors), ancient genius, while simultaneously navigating its contemporary application.

People performing a dance or theatrical piece in a hall, surrounded by an audience seated on the floor.

Building Community

Building Community

People gathered in a park, sitting on the grass, some with musical instruments and there (Tahitian log drums). Background shows tall buildings and trees.
Group of people in traditional colorful costumes holding a celebration outdoors, with stalls and onlookers in the background.
A diverse group of people gathered by a shoreline, some wearing floral wreaths and colorful clothing, possibly participating in a cultural or spiritual ceremony.

According to the US census, over 40,000 Pacific Islanders live in New York, yet there is little representation and no citywide programming focusing on the pacific island diaspora.

Te Ao Mana’s mission continues to harmoniously grow and nurture the Pacific Island community. We want our voices to be heard and to share our stories. We will continue to create space for artists and cultural practitioners of all genres to flourish.

Person in traditional colorful headdress and attire posing with two children outdoors near teepees.
Group of people posing in front of a building with a 'KŪKULU: Pillars Standing Together' sign, wearing a variety of outfits including traditional and modern styles.
Indigenous celebration with dancers in traditional attire performing on grass, barefoot, surrounded by a diverse crowd of children and adults.
Four individuals in traditional and modern attire in front of a backdrop with cultural logos and indigenous symbols.
A group of people gathered around a campfire, one person playing a drum, and another person standing, seemingly involved in cultural or traditional activity, with tents in the background.

Some of our most memorable and touching experiences and greatest learning comes from our collaborations and working with the native and indigenous communities we associate with. We learn so much from each other, how alike some of our traditions are and always eager to find new ways to support and uplift each other.

Native / Indigenous Alliances

Crowd gathered on a sandy riverbank near a bridge, observing a ceremony or event under a clear sky with trees around.
People participating in an outdoor ceremony under a canopy, surrounded by potted plants and an audience.

Specialized Movement Practices

Traditional Tahitian dancers in vibrant costumes performing on stage at Heiva I Tahiti, featuring elaborate headpieces and grass skirts.
Traditional Polynesian dancer performing outdoors in colorful costume made of floral and foliage decorations, surrounded by crowd.

Dive into cultural learning through movement. Register for Ori Tahiti and Hula class and learn the fundamentals of our traditional dance practices and their foundational value. Subscribe to our newsletter to learn when classes are open.

Group of four people posing in Times Square, New York City, with colorful billboards and a crowd in the background.

Cultural Advocacy

“If not you, then who?

And if not now, then when?”

-Anake Pua Case

Large group of people outdoors making triangle hand gestures, holding signs supporting Mauna Kea, with diverse attire and cultural outfits.
Group of people holding signs supporting the protection of Mauna Kea.
Group of people dancing at Union Square with statue and trees in the background.
Protest flyer for Mauna Kea support event at Washington Square Park, NYC on August 16, 2019, from 4 PM to 7 PM. Features a photo of people holding signs and flags.
People in traditional Polynesian attire at a cultural street event.
Group of activists holding signs supporting Mauna Kea with Hawaiian flag at a public square.
Group of people protesting on a road near a mountain, holding signs supporting Mauna Kea.
Group of people in costume, including a person dressed as a mermaid with red hair, surrounded by others, one person shirtless holding a paper fan. Crowd in background taking photos.
Group of people holding signs supporting Mauna Kea, featuring messages like "We Are Mauna Kea," "Protect Mauna Kea," "Aloha Aina."
Group of people at a protest, some holding signs supporting Mauna Kea and in opposition of TMT (Thirty Meter Telescope).
Models in traditional Polynesian tapa with long fabric patterns on rainbow-colored steps in a park.
Group of people holding signs in a protest, standing on a street with trees and buildings in the background, on a sunny day.