 |
 |
|
Who we are
'Ohana Arts Studio currently offers classes via local Parks and Recreation departments (Newport News and Yorktown), local venues, and at our new studio located at the Mariner Building on Warwick Blvd.
Our studio gets its name ('Ohana) because we are a family-centered business. 'Ohana means family in the Hawaiian language. I am the head instructor and my three oldest daughters are assistant teachers. Normally, I will have at least one of them assist with a class. I offer classes in sewing, authentic Polynesian dancing (via my Kinderhula and Polynesian Dance Studio programs), Hawaiian quilting, and more.
I am very family-oriented. I offer classes for children, teens, adults, and Mom and Me/Dad and Me. I teach boys, girls, women, and men.
Come join us!
 About the instructor
I was born and raised in Hawaii. I am of Caucasian, Chinese, Hawaiian, Moroccan, and Portuguese ancestry. The arts is my family's legacy.
I come from a long line of entertainers and educators. I also have strong island roots. I am a Naone thru my grandfather's side who are descendants of Queen Liliuokalani. (I am not able to post my complete family tree online because I made a promise to a family member to not do so.)
My maternal great-great-great grandfather is Augusto Dias from Portugal. He is one of the three men who are credited for bringing the braguinha to the islands which is now known as the ukulele. He regularly entertained King Kalakaua and his court. My mother, Arlene DeSilva Tam-Hoy, is from Hilo and was a professional hula dancer. Entertainment is another family legacy.
 My mother was a professional hula dancer and placed
third in the Miss Aloha Hula competition.
My maternal great-grandmother, Luisa Dias, was a Kindergarten teacher in Hilo, Hawaii. She was married to my great-grandfather, Reverend Ernesto da Silva (later changed to de Silva). She was employed as a clerk and seamstress at a store called E.N. Holmes. Then she opened the Vogue Shop, a clothing store that she and her daughter-in-law, Hazel de Silva, ran for many years.
My maternal grandmother and my mother sewed avidly when I was a child. My paternal grandmother is also known for her Hawaiian quilting until illness forced her to retire.
I live in Virginia with my husband and 5 children. My husband is a senior design engineer and we are an artistic family. Besides the arts, I also enjoy reading, hiking, photography, gardening, traveling, volunteering, beach activities, and working out. I am also a student majoring in finance at The College of William and Mary. I am also a dedicated Girl Scout leader, recruiter, and volunteer and I volunteer regularly at my children's schools and community events. I love what I do. I am committed to keeping the arts alive and being involved in my community.
Qualifications
I have been an artist and dancer since I was 4 years old, I was born and raised in the islands, I am a mom of 5 children (my oldest daughter currently attends the University of Hawaii at Manoa), I have been a Girl Scout leader and volunteer for the past 11 years, and I have over 17 years experience as a business owner. I also possess current certification in American Red Cross First Aid and CPR.
Work History
* Volunteer and Leader, Girl Scout Council of the Colonial Coast, Newport News, VA for the past 11 years
Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude TNCC Merit List & Member of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society Recipient of the Dr. J.P. Hill Scholarship *1986 to 1991 University of Washington and Seattle University, Seattle, WA Recipient of the Ka’iulani Home for Girls Trust Scholarship Recipient of the Dr. Hans and Clara Zimmerman Foundation Education Scholarship *1985 to 1986 University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI |
 |
 |