Hello/'ia ora na, everyone!

Firstly, thank you so much for landing on my page :)

My Story

I started my 'ori Tahiti journey when I was 13 years old with the pupu 'ori Te Mana O Te Ra in Walnut Creek, CA, and my devotion to the Tahitian culture has flourished ever since...

From my first trip to Tahiti, dancing with Hitia O Te Ra at the Heiva in 2009....

to being a cofounder of Nuholani in Melbourne, Australia with Noelani Le Nevez in 2013....

to volunteering as a dance instructor for a nonprofit arts education organization called Mayibuye in Kampot, Cambodia 2014-2015...

to teaching for the Indiana-based Polynesian dance school, Indy Hula, under the direction of Kumu Hula Lisa Smith 2019-2021....

to (now) stepping into the role of Co-Creative Director of Hōtua 'Ori alongside my cousin Charity Offril-Galande, leading our school for the last 4 years...

I carry each of these significant experiences with me when I dance because they are all rooted in my identity.

'Ori Tahiti has taken me all over the world, brought many beautiful souls into my life, and opened doors that have strengthened bonds to my community.

Which has led to another door opening, and the intention for starting this GoFundMe page:

I am honored to share that I have been selected as an international dancer to participate in Heiva I Tahiti 2026 with the grand troupe O Tahiti E, under the direction of Marguerite Lai.

This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The Heiva I Tahiti is the most prestigious cultural festival in French Polynesia. It is a powerful celebration of Tahitian heritage, bringing together the best dancers, musicians, and artists to honor generations of tradition through movement, music, and storytelling. To be invited as a foreign dancer is incredibly special. It represents not only years of dedication to this art form, but also the trust and respect of the Tahitian community to help carry their culture with authenticity and reverence.

In order to fully commit to this experience, I will be living in Tahiti for three months to train and prepare alongside my team. During this time, I need to raise $7,500 to cover flight, accommodation, transportation, group fees, costumes, visa fees, insurance, and meals. This residency is essential to performing at the level required for Heiva, and it allows me to immerse myself in the culture, language, and daily rehearsals that make this festival so extraordinary.

If you feel moved to support me, any contribution would mean the world. You are not just helping fund a trip, you are investing in cultural preservation, artistic excellence, and a dream that I truly did not imagine was ever possible.

Māuruuru (thank you) for believing in me and for helping me dance on one of the most sacred stages in the world.

Krystle