Hi everyone!

My name is Alexandra Yu, and I’m so excited to share some amazing news! This August, I won 1st place overall at HiPs League San Francisco. Through that achievement, I earned roundtrip airfare to Papeete, Tahiti, where I’ll be competing this November at the Ori Tahiti Nui World Championships — one of the most prestigious events in the world of Polynesian dance.

This is such a huge honor and dream come true — but my journey doesn’t stop there! I’ve also been invited to compete in Bora Bora at the HiPs League World Championships, another incredible opportunity to represent and celebrate Ori Tahiti on an international stage.

While my airfare to Papeete is covered, I’m responsible for all living expenses in Tahiti— which is quite costly. Living and traveling in French Polynesia adds up quickly, especially as I am considering going to Bora Bora to compete at HiPs League World Championships yet my airfare was not covered to travel between islands.

I currently work three part-time/on-call jobs as an EMT, ED-tech, and an EMT instructor all while attending Diablo Valley College part-time in working towards nursing school. All of this while also dedicating all my extra time to training and preparing for these competitions has been a journey in itself! 'Ori Tahiti is more than just a passion — it’s a way of honoring the Tahitian and Māori culture, storytelling, and strength through movement.

Your support will help cover:

Being able to represent my pupu 'ori Hōtua 'Ori, as well as myself on the world stage is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and your generosity can help make this dream possible. I never thought that any of this would even be possible, and I'm so grateful to all of the people who have helped me get to where I am today. Starting hula and Tahitian dancing at five-years old, going to school/college, I never would have thought I'd be in this position. After putting in so much work in my personal life, education, applying to nursing schools, and now having the opportunity to pursue my passion and compete at the World Championship has been nothing but a blessing. 'Ori Tahiti has changed my life in so many ways. It has taught me discipline, confidence, and resilience. It’s helped me grow not only as a dancer but as a person — reminding me to stay grounded, connected to culture, and proud of what I represent. Dancing isn’t just movement to me; it’s storytelling, emotion, and a way to express strength and beauty through tradition. This art form has become my passion, my outlet, and my purpose.

Every donation, share, and kind word means the world to me.

From the bottom of my heart —Māuruuru roa (thank you so much)! <3