About us
We Are Tupua
Founded by Stephan and Melody Seanoa, Tupua Productions has remained family owned and family run — providing authentic Polynesian entertainment for over three decades.
Our legacy
A family tradition since 1965
Tupua Productions is a Polynesian dance studio rooted in family, culture and legacy.
The story begins in 1965, when Pete and Portia Seanoa founded Tiare Productions — a Polynesian entertainment company that grew from a backyard operation into a respected troupe, teaching and performing Polynesian dance around the world. They built it on cultural pride, discipline and love for the arts.
In 2006 that legacy was entrusted to their son and daughter-in-law, Stephan and Melody Seanoa. With deep respect for what was passed down to them, they founded Tupua Productions — honouring their parents’ teachings while creating new opportunities for dancers and families to learn, grow and connect through culture.
What we stand for
- ‘Ohana spirit. We treat each other like family — everyone who walks in should feel welcome and part of the Tupua ‘ohana.
- Respect & humility. Respect for the studio, our culture, each other and ourselves. We listen, learn and lead with open hearts.
- Cultural pride. We approach the dance, music and language of the islands with care, gratitude and understanding.
- Commitment & growth. Growth comes from consistency, inside and outside the studio.
- Teamwork & positivity. We are stronger together, in a supportive space where every dancer feels valued.
Three generations
One ‘ohana, one stage
Our goal is a safe, creative and supportive space where dancers and families learn, grow and share in the legacy of Polynesian dance — passing down cultural knowledge with respect, in an environment rooted in discipline, creativity and care, and keeping traditions alive through education and performance.
-
1965
Pete & Portia Seanoa Tiare Productions
Pete and Portia Seanoa start a Polynesian entertainment company in their backyard — it grows into a troupe that teaches and performs around the world.
-
2006
Stephan Seanoa Tupua Productions
Their son and daughter-in-law, Stephan and Melody Seanoa, carry the legacy forward and found Tupua Productions.
-
Today
Tupua competition team The next generation
Tevani Seanoa and the Tupua aunties teach ten classes a week, from age 3 to adult, while the troupe performs across California, Arizona and Nevada.
From the archive · 2017
From a living room to our own studio
In July 2017 the LA city magazine Voyage LA sat down with Stephan to ask how Tupua got here. Nine years later, it is still the best short story of where we come from.
VOYAGE LA · Local Stories · July 10, 2017
“They ask for 2 dancers, we bring them 4 or 5.”
Link not working? Archived copy (Internet Archive)
- 2006 · 6 dancersStephan’s parents retire from Tiare Productions in Huntington Beach and he carries on his father’s legacy. The first rehearsals happen at his sister’s house.
- 2 years · Fountain ValleyThe troupe rents the green room at the Sound Matrix studios.
- 7 years · Costa MesaRehearsals move to rented space at South Coast Kick Boxing, while new dancers join after every public show and by word of mouth.
- 2016 · Santa AnaTupua finally opens its own studio at 3480 W Warner Ave — still our home today.
- 2017 · 85+ dancersFrom six dancers to a full company, built on being reliable and trustworthy — in class and on stage.
The story
Over 30 years in the Polynesian arts
Stephan Tupua is a Polynesian dance expert and the head of Team Tupua.
Stephan’s entertainment career began over 30 years ago. He has toured Europe and travelled across the United States, and was the lead drummer, fire knife dancer and musician for the world-famous Tiare Productions for more than 25 years. He has placed 1st in many drum competitions and has judged the Fire Knife Competition in California.
Stephan is one of the most versatile emcees in Southern California and is known for his professionalism — many companies request him time and again once they have experienced his work ethic.
Today he heads up the island dance classes with his wife Melody, teaching the songs and rhythms of the islands, while the members of Tupua Productions travel statewide to provide authentic Polynesian variety acts for both private and public events.
Why choose us
What you get with Team Tupua
Authentic
Traditional and contemporary dances of the South Pacific, performed by a family that lives the culture.
Affordable
Packages built to your occasion and your budget, from a solo dancer to a full cast.
Sound included
Professional sound systems and experienced emcees come with the show.
Professional
Insured, punctual and easy to work with — the reason clients rebook year after year.
Our team
The people behind the show
Stephan Seanoa
Founder & Events Coordinator
“Stephan Tupua Seanoa, founder of Tupua Productions, events manager and dance instructor. The Tupua Production dancers have remained family owned and operated and have continuously provided authentic and unparalleled Polynesian entertainment.”
Melody Seanoa
Head Dance Instructor
“Former Polynesian entertainer with the world-famous Tiare Productions and now part owner of the award-winning TUPUA Productions. Melody has been choreographing and instructing Polynesian dance for 15 years — I have experienced all aspects of what it takes to teach, perform and conduct a performance.”
On stage
From backyard luaus to the Disneyland Resort
Tupua Productions has performed at the OC Fair, Downtown Disney, the Aquarium of the Pacific, city festivals, school assemblies, corporate parties and countless family celebrations across Southern California.
We also provide fundraising services for non-profit organisations and host workshops that educate and promote health awareness.
Featured & on the bill
- Voyage LAInterview: meet the Seanoa family behind Tupua Productions2017
- OC Fair“Tupua is here!” — daily shows on the Heritage Stage2019
- Downtown Disney LIVE!Heritage Month performances at the Disneyland Resort2022
- Bowers MuseumPacific Islands Festival — Tupua dancers and students2025
- UCSB MultiCultural Center“Tupua sets MCC on fire with Polynesian dances”2015
Book Tupua
Bring the Spirit of Aloha to your event
Weddings, birthdays, corporate parties, luaus, school and city events — large or small. Tell us what you have in mind and we will build the show around it.