Lydia Ortiz

Lydia started dancing hula at age 2. Her mother is a long-time entertainer, cultural practitioner and kumu hula. Lydia grew up in both the traditional hula world and the entertainment business. Her claim to fame is teaching Rosie OʻDonnel how to hula on live National TV. She has performed at places like Wolf Trap, the Kennedy Center, the Lincoln Theatre and more. She was contracted under other dance companies and helped train many dancers before deciding to start her own troupe in 2010.

Her school’s mission is to 1) provide technical and culturally correct dance training for all shapes and sizes, 2) create a community that feels like a home away from home for displaced islanders, 3) empower students through dance, chant, performances, photoshoots and more, 4) create culturally immersive and educational experiences for the whole family to learn and enjoy, 5) collaborate and support other locals (pacific islanders) here on the east coast.

“You don’t have to have Hawaiian or Polynesian blood to join us. My family migrated from Puerto Rico to Hawaiʻi to work on the sugar cane plantations. This culture is beautiful and there is something here for everyone. Come join our sisterhood!”