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Nemenzo is a family based Polynesian dance organization specializing in instruction and performing Tahitian Dance and Music. We opened our studio doors in Daly City, November 1996 offering classes in modern Hula (Hula Auana) and Tahitian Dance, Music and Drumming. The instructors of Nemenzo prior training were from Tiare Clifford of Tiare Otea of San Francisco, Nelani Rogers and Raymoki Engler. Nemenzo instructors are active in the studies of Tahitian culture with retreats to Tahiti and consulting with the masters of Tahitian dance, culture and language. |
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Our classes are ongoing throughout the year and closed for the Holiday Season at the end of the year and during competitions. We remain focused on training and developing students to dance for leisure, exercise, show performances and Tahitian competitions in various states in the mainland and Hawaii. Dancers workout their basic steps, hand movements and correct body positions accompanied by live drumming and music in each class. They learn to perfect basic steps and correct terminology applicable to each dance genre. Our goal is for each dancer to discover their personal style and to perfect their skills at the highest level for solo exhibition and competition. Group presentation is equally our objective. We incorporate these dancers to compliment one another while dancing as one unit in perfect harmony. Language, stage presence, confidence and proper execution of dance and music are by-products of our overall objectives. Our company is comprised of three class divisions Manava, Competition and Nemenzo Groups. Selection is at the discretion of the Director and staff based on various factors: skill, accountability, motivation and commitment.
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Elizabeth Nemenzo Bertumen – Director
Elizabeth had been the director of Nemenzo since 1996 and is also known as "Aunty Ely". The group grew from 20 dancers to its current membership of 100 students. All aspects of training and structure of Nemenzo's classes are outlined by the Director in addition to themes and use of music for competitions and performances, costumes and choreography. Elizabeth produced the first Tahitian Calendar competition, Tarena Tahiti in 2001 and its new professional performing group, Manava. Her business background is in Finance and Real Estate but her passion is in the Polynesian Culture. Nemenzo has been awarded numerous merits in Tahitian Solo and Group Competitions in the Mainland and Hawaii. |
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Magdalena “Nene” Nemenzo – Instructor/Choreographer
"Nene" as she is known has been dancing Hula and Ori Tahiti since she was 5 yrs old. She was under the directorship of Tiare Clifford of Tiare Otea of San Francisco and Nelani Rogers. She has been teaching since she was 8 yrs old assisting her mother Ofelia Nemenzo, the founder of Nemenzo Performing Arts in the late 1980's. Nene teaches the boys and men of Nemenzo including girls from the age of 5 years to adult. Her extensive training in class produced numerous solo awards for her students throughout the Tahitiain Competition community. She is a choreographer, costumer, coordinator and is an avid student of the Tahitian Language. |
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Adreane “Nikki” Nemenzo Bertumen – Instructor/Choreographer/Drummer
"Nikki" has been dancing since she was 10 years old under Raymoki Engler. She has since evolved and has won several titles to include Ms. Heiva I Hilo 2000 and Ms. San Jose Tahiti Fete Vahine 2005. Her solo entry awards range from Overall Vahine dancer to 1st place in the age categories she has entered in the past. In addition to being a instructor, choregrapher, singer and stage designer, Nikki also plays the Tahitian drum instrument "Pahu". |
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Desiree Kekahilinaniopauahi Woodward-Lee – Instructor/Choreographer
Born and raised on the island of Oahu, Desiree started dancing Hula at the age of 8.
Her first training was with Kumu Hula Chinkey Mahoe of Halau Hula O Kawailiula.
She continued her dancing throughout high school and during college danced under the direction of Kumu Hula Sonny Ching of Halau Hula Na Mamo O Pu’uanahulu. In July 2003, Desiree moved to San Francisco dancing Ori Tahiti with Nemenzo Dance Company. Currently with Nemenzo she has been active in solo and group Tahitian competitions traveling in various states and Tahiti. |
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Adam Nemenzo Bertumen – Instructor/Drummer/Lead Musician
At the age of 10, Adam started playing the Tahitian drums under the direction of Raymoki Engler. Adam plays all the Tahitian percussion instruments, Tahitian and Hawaiin ukelele and the guitar. He has since evolved and is lead musician for Nemenzo directing and composing music for 9-12 drummers and musicians. Adam was and continues to be instrumental in Nemenzo's awards in Music and Drumming at various Tahitian competitions in the Mainland and Hawaii. |
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Eric Nemenzo Bertumen – Instructor/Drummer
All the drummers in Nemenzo start their lessons in drumming with Eric. Eric has a strong command of the the basic beats and its terminology. His students age range from 9 yrs to adult. Eric is familiar with all the Tahitian percussion instruments and continues to pursue his education in Tahitian music and drumming. |
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Archie Bertumen – Musician
Archie is a musician and singer with Nemenzo. His instruments includes the guitar, ukelele, nose flute and is familiar with the Tahitian drums. With a background in engineering and construction, Archie was able to make some of the instruments used by the musicians (fa'atete and pahu tupai). He is instrumental in coordinating music compositions with Nemenzo's musicians. |
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