My daughter and I finally decided to join Nonosina after my friend nudged me to go for the longest time. I was nervous to try something new with very little dance experience. I danced cultural shows in high school, and briefly danced at another studio but that was it. After struggling and thankfully recovering from postpartum depression and anxiety, I wanted to find a place where I could take care of myself physically, mentally and emotionally. I also wanted to do something with my daughter and find a sense of community. I've gained and learned so much more than from when I first started there. I've witnessed how much both my daughter and I have progressed and developed as dancers and individuals. From building self confidence improving basic moves, learning about the Polynesian culture, and love and joy from friendships formed while being there. It's become our second home. Nonosina has a strong foundation, focusing on the fundamentals of Polynesian dance culture. In the beginner classes, they spend time on teaching the basics, technique and cultural meaning behind the steps and music. They also offer advanced classes for experienced dancers with amazing and choreo and beats. There's a good reason why it's still thriving after over 61 years with hundreds of students. It's a busy studio with the leaders taking care of its hundreds of students and also making an impact outside with Moana movies and other cultural ventures. But it doesn't take away from how the Nonosina team invests time, care and passion into its students. Aunty Ricky, Tiana and Kayla, Jaidan, Leila and Courtney pour so much love, care, mana, cultural knowledge into the students there. I would highly recommend trying it out there if you have an open mind and heart to learn. Theres a wealth of knowledge, passion and talent that they offer there. I love being at Nonosina and I'll always be grateful for the House of Gram (the founder of Nonosina) for the genuine and meaningful impact it's had on my life. read more

I love Nonosina. I used to dance with them when I was in high school, black pro team. Honestly one of my favorite experiences in life. Aunti Riki, Tiana, and Mevina are the best teachers, VERY TALENTED. I may be biased but NONOSINA IS THEE BEST POLYNESIAN DANCE TEAM WORLDWIDE. Hoping to get my daughter in their class soon because I truly believe in this team, from the energy to the arts to the culture it's honestly so beautiful and magical. read more

What does a YouTube algorithm, Tiktok video, a romantic partner from Hawai'i, and a rabbit hole into Polynesian history get me? Clearly a growing interest in learning Polynesian dance! This past summer, I've been wanting to learn Polynesian dance, particularly Tahitian, thanks to social media algorithms noticing my interest in it and giving me a whole bunch of Heiva I Tahiti videos to watch. I knew I had to learn it asap. I found Nonosina and immediately went to check things out. Of course, there's been many people who grew up going there and there's those who barely started like myself. As an adult male with minimal experience, it was daunting trying to pick things up. However Tiana and Auntie Riki Liufau provided the necessary encouragement and guidance to help me improve on my footwork. Tiana and Auntie Riki are very serious about their craft and what they do. It shows in their devotion to educating the masses in Polynesian culture whether it's in the studio or out in the world. Anybody would benefit immensely under Liufaus' instruction. They gave me a greater appreciation for Polynesian culture that I didn't think I'd have. Can't wait to pick things back up and continue on my journey with Nonosina! read more

So many good things to say about Nonosina. First of all, I drive 2 hours(one way) from the valley so my son can learn from the very best. It is so worth the drive. He is so happy, he has grown so much as a dancer. Thanks to his amazing teachers Tiana, Mika, Aunty Riki & Kuegi. Not only do they learn Polynesian dance(Tahitian, Hula & Samoan) they learn & respect the culture, meaning of the movements and language. The students also learn & help drum during class. I've met so many awesome, dedicated parents and students who are so welcoming. We love being a part of this wonderful Nonosina family. read more

Great school. Great teachers. Great Everything. This school has so much history that it is told thru dance but also thru generations. 52 years. That tells you a lot. I got to talk with the hierarchy, Grams, who started this school when she came from Samoa. When it was time, she had passed on her teachings to her daughter, Aunty Riki. Now, the legend continues on with Aunty Riki's daughter, Aunty Tiana. They have so much to offer in teaching students what the culture of the Polynesian Islands are about. The music, the moves, the love, and food (let your nose guide you to Matiki's BBQ...you won't be disappointed). When they teach you to dance, it can be intense but sooo much fun. Nonosina offers classes for all ages. (If your kids love the movie Disney's MOANA, this school was part of the making.) The beginning Keiki's class (they are sooo adorbs) I have both my kids in it and they love it.. Myself, am taking the beginning Vahine (women) class. They offer advanced Vahine and Tane (men) teams too. Drumming and ukulele also offered. Parking, can be crazy. But get there early enough to get a spot in front (by the trees and bushes...not the business'). If no spot available, park in the back alley, side street, or taco San Pedro (they're closed on Tuesdays). Come check this place out, you won't be disappointed. read more

They aren't welcoming at all here and the groups that have been here already are super clicky. My daughter had been in the group for a well over a few months and Riki and Tiana still didn't know her name lol. The icing on the cake though was when Tiana had this huge blow out bitch fest to the students and parents about money. Criticizing the parents, complaining when it was their own system that was disorganized. They're well know here in the islander community and their reputation is well known but I see a shift where that's starting to go away and a lot of other groups are getting their shine and rightfully so. read more

I have used them several times to do performances for Bday parties. They have the best shows and leave you feeling like you are in Polynesian. The Fire Dance show is especially spectacular. I would highly recommend them for an special occasion to give your guests a special treat. read more

For the short time, I went to dance class at Nonosina's. They are an amazing group. Auntie Rikki and family are talented. I enjoyed my time here and wished that there was a group like this in Missouri. I do miss practicing the dances and what a great work out!!! read more

My 5-year-old daughter just started dancing with Nonosina this fall and danced in her first show - the winter show. Everyone at the school is so nice and welcoming. They are so patient and encouraging with the little ones. My daughter loves coming to class. She loves the friends she has met and loves Aunty Ricki and Aunty Tiana. They treat everyone like family. read more

I've been debating to write this review since my daughter loved coming to class here for a year. The teachers are very nice and their love for culture and art shows in class and performances. We have been so happy here I even signed up my 5 year old son. (Until last month during their summer show.) During rehearsals, I was told by the director herself to have the boys come in their dance uniform and not their costumes prior to the show. That she would help put their costumes on herself. Fast forward during call time (show time)the boys were called in to the designated tent area where they waited until their performance. I hung his costume on the corner of the tent where another costume hung. I spoke to a gentleman if we were in the right place and if he was watching the children until the performance, he said 'yes'. Seeing the other boys from my son's class in the tent confirmed my assumption. I then preceded to drop my daughter off at her designated waiting area. (Since parents are not allowed backstage) My husband and I took our seats in the theater. The show was held in the park by the way and the theater was outdoors. Show starts and my daughter comes out on stage with her class. I eagerly wait as my son's class walked and positioned themselves on the stage. Surveyed each face and realize my son wasn't with them. (Huge knot in my stomach at this point!) I thought maybe my son got scared and did not want to perform and I never got the call or something. I checked my phone-nothing. I rush to the side of the stage and ran to the back (boy's waiting area) and found my son's costume hanging where I left it but my son was nowhere to be found!! I asked one of the ladies in charge of the kids, she gave me a blank look then she continued to watch the show backstage with no intentions to help me look for him. I'm now in panic mode, profusely sweating, heart pounding hard and fast out of my chest, almost in tears. I frantically ran to the playground and fortunately found my son playing with random kids! At this point, I've missed my daughter's first performance. I quickly put my son's costume on, (since the lady insisted that the boys were suppose to have their costumes on already when we drop them off the waiting area after I told her we were told differently during rehearsals), and ushered him backstage to walk with his class (after the boys first performance and my son completely missed it) I go back to my seat, attempted to calm myself down to try to enjoy the rest of the show. During intermission, parents were able to pick up their kids in the back to watch the rest of the show with them or go home. My husband and I picked up my daughter, then my son. I see the lady in charge of the boys outside the tent (same lady I asked previously bout my son's whereabouts) , she then pointed inside and directed us to where my son was suppose to be sitting. There were a couple of boys there but my son wasn't one of them! I brought it to her attention and she said "he was just there". This time she offered to help look for him. Once again, my husband and I immediately searched the park, every tent, playground, eventually found him sitting with 2 boys from his class and their family. We then abruptly drove home. until now there's no apologies (not that i'm waiting for one) no follow up call to see if we found my son, they probably just assumed that we found him because they haven't received a complaint or police report. I understand the pressure and how hectic and chaotic it gets when it comes to shows like this. It's not our first rodeo, my daughter's done ballet/tap, flamenco performances in the past. She loves Tahitian the most. What bothered me (and still bothers me) the most is that they had no idea my son was missing AND that it didn't just happen once but TWICE! Did they not do a headcount before and after their performance? and if not, my son's costume was STILL hanging on the corner of the tent with his name in big, bold letters written on the outside of the see thru garment bag, that meant one kid is unaccounted for. I was upset and angry over it but didn't bring it up to the director's attention, however her partner knew since I brought it up to her attention initially backstage, I was hoping maybe she or the lady in charge of looking after the children would discuss/mention it to her. AND also because my daughter loves it there so much, I didn't want it to be an issue in case I decide to sign her up for the fall semester. I just feel that as the number of students increase rapidly, they're unable to handle and are not equipped to handle the volume, my daughter started out with 17 girls in her class last year, it has nearly tripled this year. I mean I'm happy that business is doing well since they've worked very hard to get to this point. I thought if I gave it some time, I would change my mind but unfortunately I was not able to get over what happened.I've signed up my kids elsewhere. read more

I have two granddaughters that dance here and they love it! We enjoy the shows which are entertaining and the couple of hours go by quick. The family that owns and teaches are friendly and very traditional island people. Great dancers! read more

I don't dance here, but I've seen about 5 of their performances. They are incredible! Tight group, great music, beautiful costumes and routines! Their last performance themed "Mana" gave me chills because it was so moving. These dancers work hard and you can definitely tell their heart is in it and they embrace all cultures and ethnicities. read more

I danced here for a couple years and will forever be loyal to Nonosinaland! It is a very good place to learn more about the Polynesian culture and I highly suggest that if you're going to learn something cultural, you learn from people who know what they're doing. The dance studio is family owned and they even have a delicious restaurant a couple doors down called "Matiki's" (give it a try!). The Liufau family is very nice and very passionate about the Tahitian culture. I would definitely enroll my future kids here. read more

I came here to learn ori from Taiwan, nonosina is the best family of Polynesia dance

I stopped in with my friend Sheila today while visiting LA. Aunty Riki was so welcoming and I had a great time and workout!

I danced at this studio as a child and loved every moment of it. Nonosina is definitely one of the best studios if you really want a good foundation to build your dance skills on. I don't dance anymore because of school and work, but from time to time I do go and watch their shows and they're even better now than they were when I danced there! The whole family puts their heart and soul into the studio and the place feels like a family. Would definitely dance there again if I had the time. read more

The best outside of Tahiti....the Liufau family really knows and respects the culture, and Mevina and Tiana are awesome, really committed to the group and passionate about sharing the culture. Great group, has won COUNTLESS awards, and is always a MAJOR contender at any fete or event. If you're in SoCal and you wanna learn, this would be the place to go - just be prepared to work hard, cause you WILL....oh, yes, you will be busting that @ss in the studio, so be ready....he he he..... read more

This is a wonderful Tahitian dance studio. The Liufau family are passionate about their studio and it shows in their work ethic. Tiana, Mevina, and Rikki are all wonderful choreographers and teachers. They have an awesome pro team (men/women) and also several keiki teams (you will be amazed at how well some of the little ones dance), but they also offer teen/adult classes for every level. Members of the pro team demonstrate the correct form during their women's adult beginner class. I drive one hour to go to Nonosina's dance class twice a week and I look forward to it each and every time. Tuition rates are reasonable. Check out some of the Nonosina videos on YouTube! Come prepared to sweat and work hard!! read more

I have friend that who ios in love with the whole island culture and decided that hu;la would be a great way to get some excercise only a lot of hula dancer look like kalua pigs so i said how about tahitian and this is where nonosinsa comes in. read more

This is a fantastic dance studio. The black team are award winning dancers and amazing performers. I danced with the purple team for a year with my daughter and I miss it so much. Aunty Riki and Tiana are incredible teachers; they are so passionate about their craft and love what they do. They will push you farther than you imagined and you will be grateful for it. You will work hard and learn everyday. Be prepared to sweat and have fun! read more

Here's a tip!! If you want at least "good" customer service then don't go or join this group. First off, there's no one to greet you and when there is actually someone there and it's a male, he's acts like he's bada$$ and its a female, she's too heavily into watching the class. There's a woman who's name is Auntie Rikki and she's approachable and fun but I don't know if it's her older sister that was there but she was absolutely rude! My daughter dances and as a father I would like to watch and observe what she's learning and how she's being taught and if my money's worth it. I understand that this is an award-winning group and "popular" but it's not worth paying over $70 a month to be treated unkindly and spoken to the way they speak to us. Another gentleman was there with me and he too was "brushed" away [literally] and told to go outside. He had a 10 month old Baby for GOD's sake! He's in charge of the finances and this group has no idea of that and all it takes is to be treated with rudeness just one more time and he's pulling his daughter and the cousins (4 of them I believe out). And that all it takes is to be reared rudely just one more time and he can go to his Aunt who is a head columnist and journalist of a local newspaper (not going to say names) and have them write an article on how Rude this group is. They have no idea that even he came down to see if he'd like to dance as well in which I found out that he's a really good Tahitian dancer and Fire Knife dancer and try may have just lost a possibly strong addition to the group. When you pay a lot for membership all it takes is for a few people to be rude and inconsiderate and the venue will lose stripes. The gentleman with the son may not say anything and take his family out but I want to make sure people know exactly what they are getting themselves into and that what they are paying so much for is to be treated unkindly and rudely. I'm pulling my daughter and wife out when their month is over. No price can be put nor worth treatment of this kind. Too many of them are stuck up, the guys act all bad and generally the group is "too good" to speak or say "hi"/ greet you. Spend your money elsewhere and give it to a group who is about the REAL and TRUE island way...where everyone is Ohana. read more

I am a former dancer of NONOSINA for 6 years!!!! And if you absolutely are in love with this culture this is the dance group for you! But Need i remind you it is a very intense group! Workout, practices, and dedication is a must! Planning to go back within a month or two and most definitely need to get my fa arapu in shape!!! Chhhhoooooooohooooooo NONOSINA rocks!!! Christmas show comin up on Dec 11! Ask auntie ricky for more info read more

I went there years ago when I was 7 and I took basic lessons. The lessons were so fun and I made some great friends that I wished I kept in touch with. The family that runs this beautiful place are so so nice you feel like part of the family. Whenever you needed help with a move they would not even think about it they would just start helping already. And Tiana, that girl knew how to dance ! she knew how to teach and perform very well she could even break dance and is very very good at it. If you want to take lessons, take them there at Nonosina ! read more