our directors
hina mariteragi buendia
FOUNDRESS & orometua
Born on a tiny atoll in the Tuamotu Islands, Hina is of Tahitian descent and was born into the Mariteragi lineage, a family that is cemented into the fabric of Tahitian culture through their contributions in music and entertainment.
Her impressive and extensive career spans from her early days performing at the Polynesian Cultural Center, to internationally at Tokyo Disney, Spain, resorts throughout the U.S.A., and Sea World, just to name a few.
Once she and her family settled down in Jacksonville, FL, her and her husband, Delbert, founded the highly successful Polynesian revue show, The Polynesian Triangle.
After his passing, she continued perpetuating the culture through ‘ori Tahiti (Tahitian dance) instruction with various hula halau’s in Northeast FL, and taught multiple ‘ori Tahiti workshops in Orlando, FL.
As a highly respected figure in the Polynesian community, and an award-winning Tahitian dancer, she has judged numerous Tahitian dance competitions.
Her only son, Tylon Teaitu Buendia is a notable figure in the Polynesian community, who carries on the legacy of his parents, to this day.
jerly asunto drysdale
OWNER & Faʻatere Pūpū
Born in the Bronx, NY, Jerly is of Filipino descent. She attended the prestigious Douglas Anderson SOTA where her musical and performance talents were cultivated.
During college, Jerly became a competitive Tahitian dancer, going on to win multiple back-to-back awards under the direction of Hina. She also won 1st place in Jacksonville’s intensely competitive singing competition, Jax Idol.
With the revival of Hina’s lu’au entertainment group, The Polynesian Triangle, Jerly became the lead dancer and assistant instructor. She along with Hina’s son, Tylon, choreographed and composed the O’tea music, and contributed their talents to the beloved Aunty Kau’i Brandt’s hula halau, Na Opiopio i Orlando, where they won 1st place in the group Tahitian O’tea category at the prestigious Polynesian Competition Ho’ike Hawai’i in Orlando, FL.
After graduating college, she moved back to NYC on her own to pursue the music industry. While in NYC, she danced with Polynesian Dance Productions, known as the premier Polynesian entertainment group in the Tri-State area, with some of their clients being international celebrities. After living in NYC for a few years, she moved back to Jacksonville, FL, where she taught Tahitian Dance Fitness classes at both Retro Fitness gym locations, Group Classes for dancers of all ages and levels, and Private Lessons.
Jerly is a devout Christian, who is passionate about sharing the love of God through dance. She is a wife and mother of 2 young boys.