Kaiako Jennie Marama Keller: 

Poi Instructor 

Jennie began dancing Hula at the age of 11 in a small town in Southern Oregon. She learned under Kumu Sharon Aulani Smith at Aulani Hula Halau. Through her Halau she learned several Polynesian dance forms including Hula, Tahitian and Maori. Jennie fell in love with the Polynesian culture and the happiness that dance brought to her and her audience. By the time Jennie was entering high school she was a member of her Halau’s Advanced Poi group where she learned the art of Fire Poi. The thrill and excitement that fire dancing brought to onlookers made this dance form one of her favorites. In 2009, Jennie left her Halau in Southern Oregon to move to Portland. During the next 7-years of college she searched to fill the void that dancing had left in her heart. She tried other Halaus, hip-hop, Haitian dance and belly dance but nothing quite met her expectations. While living in New Mexico, she became a certified fitness and Yoga instructor which helped grow her passion for movement and teaching. Upon returning the Portland area in 2017, she discovered Teva Oriata. Instantly she felt a connection to the TO community and was inspired by the enthusiasm that each dancer brought to class. Now as an instructor, Jennie has the privilege to combine her passions of teaching and dancing. With her Teva Oriata feti’i, she continues to learn, grow and spread the Aloha of Polynesian culture.