Our Dance Tree
This is where our journey begins. Get to know our business and what we do, and how we're committed to quality and great service. Join us as we grow and succeed together. We're glad you're here to be a part of our story.
The Roots
My father Eugene Daniel Tapii was born on Puka Puka, an atoll in the Tuamotu's. At a young age he was sent to live with his uncle on the main island of Tahiti, which is where his love for drumming and dancing began.
At a young age he started as a drummer for the group Heiva, led by the legend Madeline Moua. The woman responsible for reviving Tahitian dance. Heiva was the original Tahitian dance group and the name by which the actual Tiurai festival is called today (Heiva i Tahiti). Eugene quickly became known as one of the best drummers in Tahiti even at such a young age.
Shortly after he became a part of his childhood friends' group, the famous Temaeva, led by none other than Coco Hotahota. He excelled in his skillset, winning competitions as a soloist and with the group.
The Trunk
At a young age Eugene had the opportunity to tour all over the world, eventually landing in the beautiful islands of Hawai'i. It was there where he met Malala MCMoore (my Uncle) and Papa Tavana, a legend in Polynesian luau industry and within the Tahitian culture. He is noted for going to Samoa and bringing back the ancient art of Tatau or tattooing to Tahiti. He is also a pioneer in the luau industry by starting the original Polynesian show right in the heart of Waikiki.
Known for recruiting the very best of performers from all over the Pacific, the Tavana show became a beacon of light for Polynesian entertainment. The impact would send shockwaves for generations to come, as the Luau industry in Hawai'i explodes. My Uncle Malala (front and center) was an amazing & talented leader. It is he that I owe much of my exposure and opportunities to this day. It was the countless shows that I spent as a child watching them perform that shaped my knowledge of dance and music.
He and my father (top left) would form a brotherhood that showcased the best of the best. Eventually moving our family to Maui where they created numerous shows for decades to come.
The Branches
On the island of Maui is where I was raised and trained into the man I am today. I began as a dancer in my early teens, working for our family show. I find myself so thankful of all the great performers I have been around that have taught me so much. As I look back, I now realize how special those times were.
I am grateful to have learned from greats like the late great Kumu Hula Charles Kaupu, Samoan Fire Knife legends like my Uncle, the late great Chief Tulaga Tevaga and World Champion Ifi So'o. Uncle Iwi of Aotearoa, who instilled in me mana beyond dance and many more.
Overtime I quickly picked up on learning dances and began to learn drumming and playing other instruments. I also moved up becoming a leader within several shows. Utilizing those skills to create my own dance routines and music.
The Leaves
Soon after that I met the love of my life, who in her own right is as magnificently talented as she is beautiful. Coming from a musical background, her father Grammy award winning, Jazz legend Norman Brown she has toured and performed all over the world. She has also attended MI University for piano and voice before moving to Maui and eventually meeting me.
2013 we decided to move our family from our home on Maui to the Midwest. While raising our children away from our homeland the call to teach them our culture through song and dance grew heavily as the years went on. In the summer of 2024, we established Island Style Productions with just our family. Performing only once that year.
In January of 2025 we announced our official start date and opening of classes. We rapidly increased in members drawing a multi-ethnic group of all ages. Our classes grew beyond 40 students, and we had 78 performances that year! A lot for a dance group in the mid-west. We have had the opportunity to perform for a Kansas City Royals game, several festivals, schools and adult care facilities. We've also performed for celebration of life events, birthdays from 1 to 90 years old.
What began on a small island in the middle of the Pacific in the 1960's is now reaching people all over the world. Our tree looks to spread our seeds out to those around us, in hopes of continuing to perpetuate our cultures in our communities and beyond.
"Island Style productions performed today at Rockhurst University. Words cannot express how amazing they were. Not only talented both in dance and singing (with drums), but they really got the crowd involved in a way we have never had on campus. I cannot wait to have them back in the future!"
Julia Liupaono