Aloha and welcome to "KaHaleHula," my new blog. You also can find out more on Yahoo 360's "Little Red Hen Construction Company," where I've been blogging for years.
"Ka Hale Hula" - The Hula House
This new blog will feature Hui Hula Ka Hale o Ku`u Hoaloha Hula, my hula school, or halau, of which I am the alaka`i, or guide. We dance under the auspices of Kumu Kau`ihealani Mahikoa Brandt, the 2007 recipient of the Ho`okahiko Award for her life's work in sharing aspects of the Hawaiian culture so that it can be better appreciated throughout the world.
"Aunty Kau`i receives the Ho`okahiko Award"
Our halau is focused on hula, but we incorporate Hawaiian language, culture and arts and crafts into our classes.
"The halau in performance"
We also perform shows as our way to share the Hawaiian culture and, in keeping with Aunty Kau`i's life work, to encourage appreciation of this beautiful culture.
"The halau in performance"
We also perform shows as our way to share the Hawaiian culture and, in keeping with Aunty Kau`i's life work, to encourage appreciation of this beautiful culture.
"Aunty Kau`i making a lei"
Born in Honolulu, I was surrounded by Hawaiian music as a child, but did not start hula until I was an adult. Our family was transferred to the continental U.S. while I was still young, and quality hula instruction was hard to find. I was fortunate to meet Karina D'Errico, who provided my initial foundation and then sent me to Aunty Kau`i. Aunty Kau`i taught me hula, introduced me to teaching, and encouraged me to expand my studies into language and cultural arts.
"Making kapa during the show 'Aumakua'"
When I moved to California, I continued my training with Harriet Spalding, who was of the Kanaka`ole lineage. When she could no longer teach, I studied with Mikioi Iwamoto, whose halau, Ka Ua Lililehua, continues to produce excellent programs and beautiful dancers.
"Halau o Ka Ua Lililehua - Mikioi Iwamoto's halau"
I spent four years in Texas, where I both studied and taught, then returned to California, where I was asked by prospective students to start my own halau. The result is Ka Hale o Ku`u Hoaloha Hula.
"Halau o Ka Ua Lililehua - Mikioi Iwamoto's halau"
I spent four years in Texas, where I both studied and taught, then returned to California, where I was asked by prospective students to start my own halau. The result is Ka Hale o Ku`u Hoaloha Hula.
"Our halau before a show"
"Ka Hale Hula" means "The Hula House," and that's where we meet. Our dance floor looks like polished coconut shell, and the house's exterior is a calm seafoam green with ivory trim.
"Class time at Ka Hale Hula"
We have at least two classes a week at this house, where dancers are greeted by our two cats, India, or matriarch, and Kamalani MonkeyCat, our youngster.
"Class time at Ka Hale Hula"
We have at least two classes a week at this house, where dancers are greeted by our two cats, India, or matriarch, and Kamalani MonkeyCat, our youngster.
"Waiting for hula class - India and Kamalani MonkeyCat"
This halau has been a blessing to me, and I hope it will continue to be a blessing for those who decide to join.
"Pau Hana Kitty" - India snoozes after a class
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