Mana Manahata
Te Ao Mana

Mana Manahata is a semi-interactive Polynesian performance. It engages New Yorkers and the Pacific Islander community through traditionally based songs, dances, and interactive cultural activities. Participants and audiences are encouraged to remember and share their experiences with families and friends.

About the Artist 

Te Ao Mana is a cultural organization based in New York. It aims to expand the presence of Polynesian culture worldwide through the creation of new work, specialized classes and workshops, and performances. The group draws on their rich ancestry and focuses on connecting with their tupuna or ancestors’ ancient genius. Simultaneously, they navigate the application of their relevance in the modern world. Te Ao Mana was established in 2016 by Founders/Directors Anthony Aiu and Kaina Quenga.

For more about Te Ao Mana, visit their website and follow them on Instagram.

Anthony Aiu co-founded Te Ao Mana in 2016 and has presented in NYC Dance Parade, Hawaiian Airlines Liberty Challenge, Hōkūle’a Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage, Battery Dance Festival to name a few. His dedication is to develop a dance form and approach to technical training that draws on his rich ancestry, and to give voice to the underrepresented Polynesian people. Anthony received his MFA at the Purchase College Conservatory of Dance. While there he co-authored A Choreographic Workbook with Professor Kazuko Hirabayashi.