Kaina Quenga

Kaina Quenga demonstrates Hawaiian seated hula while audience members participate; Photo: Etienne Frossard

Kaina Quenga grew up in Hilo, HawaiI, where she studied and performed hula— “dance” in Hawaiian. She moved to Brooklyn in 2001, where she performs and also teaches Hawaiian cultural traditions and Tahitian dance.

Kaina offers open classes in Brooklyn and Manhattan and is known as “Miss Aloha” by her preschool students in the Bronx. In addition to dance, her students learn about Hawaiian musical implements, like the ‘uli ‘uli gourd feather rattle, and Hawaiian chants. She is particularly adept at teaching young children and seniors, because her classes can be choreographed to focus on the upper body for seated participants with movement limitations. Kaina emphasizes audience participation; group performances can also be arranged.

Registry Info

Related Categories

Dance, Teaching Artist