The Los Angeles Dream Shapers

"Tehani" Programs and Information
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Jennifer “Tehani” Sarreal started her dancing career at age eight. Today she does dance and culture educational programs for schools and libraries nationally and abroad. Her dance repertoire includes: the Polynesian dances (including fire poi), the international-style ballroom/Latin dances at the silver level, street salsa, Filipino folk, West African, hip hop and belly dance.
An avid traveler and activist, she is involved with humanitarian and conservation projects in the Philippines, Costa Rica, India and the United States. Tehani is the producer of Artists for Humanity, a Dream Shapers artist, and a published writer. She has been a featured performer at the Women’s Festival, is the Salakayan Festival Queen of 2007, and the Fusion Champion of the Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition 2008. She dedicates all her performances to Josef Sarreal, her late father, who inspired her to dream big and follow through.
Programs and Descriptions The Dances of Polynesia Island hop with Tehani! Learn about the dances and rhythms from the islands of Polynesia. Programs covers the geography and culture of the seven islands of Polynesia: Hawaii, Samoa, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga and Marquesas. A talk on the purposes of these dances within their cultural framework. Audience participation. Hula Kahiko: Hawaiian Myth & Ancient Dance Learn the history, culture and legends behind hula kahiko: the ancient dance of the Hawaiian islands while learning its rhythms and steps. World Dance: Tradition & Fusion Discover a whole new world where dance is not just entertainment, where movement places a crucial role in all spheres of life, where dance IS life. See how dances are being preserved and respectfully blended to promote messages of cultural understanding and peace. Sayaw: Filipino Folk Dance & Cultural History Discover a unique culture and people through dance! Program includes: indigenous folklore, geography and culture of provinces and regions of the Philippines, invasion and colonial occupation’s role in culture reflected through dance, performances of indigenous, Spanish and Muslim influenced folk dances, audience participation. Testimonials “Jennifer is truly dedicated not only to her dancing profession, but also to the humanities in general. She has traveled abroad… and has brought back a wealth of cultural knowledge that only adds richness to her dance repertoire… She involves herself in numerous endeavors and seeks creativity and loving kindness whenever and wherever she performs. She has truly been an asset to our Center and the university, but continues to be for the community at large.” ~ Cynthia Schultheis, Assistant Director, CSULB Multicultural Center "With eloquent writing and lively performances filled with compassion and humanity, Jennifer's work never ceases to touch lives with love and understanding. A remarkable young woman, through Artists for Humanity, she has impacted her community with messages of peace and beauty". ~ Marguerite Kusuhara, Anthropologist and Professional Performer “Tehani is very fluid and graceful… She dances like water!” ~ Artists for Humanity spectator

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