- OUR KUMU HULA -

Tammy Ipolani Silva

Tammy Ipolani Silva is a native Hawaiian, born and raised on the island of O'ahu. She is a member of the Kamehameha Schools graduating class of 1981. She is a life-long student of polynesian dance. Her first lesson was at the age of 4 when she studied under her first kumu hula, Ku'ulei Clark of Honolulu. She has since studied under many kumu, including John Pi'ilani Watkins, Holoua Stender, Randi Fong, and Wayne Chang (while attending Kamehameha), where she met her primary Kumu Hula Darrell Ihi'ihilauakea Lupenui. Ipolani studied under him for 7 years until his passing in 1987. She then continued her studies under Chinky Mahoe until she and her husband Tama relocated to Las Vegas in 1992 with Germaine's Luau.

Ipolani and daughter Moanike'ala Fiafia

Her professional career as a dancer, lead performer, and choreographer includes work with Polynesian Entertainment Productions, Inc., as choreographer, lead dancer, and Emcee in Las Vegas, Germaine's Luau in Honolulu as Cast Director, lead dancer, and Hawaiian Hut at the Ala Moana Hotel.

Ipolani is also the founder and President of Ke'ala Productions, Inc. where she produces a polynesian revue she calls "Polynesia Alive". The Production has made appearances in such places as the Fremont and California Hotels, the Stardust, Tropicana, Caesar's Palace, the Miss Universe Pageant on the Fremont Street Experience, and several appearances in Reno, Laughlin, and Lake Tahoe.

Ipolani works alongside her husband Tama Silva, who is also a gifted and versatile performer. Together they make up the directors of Ke'ala Productions, and the instructors of Halau 'O Moanike'ala.