2023 Dance Recital

Aloha, Kumu Kawahine here once again, thrilled to share another update on our hula journey with the halau. As the time zone and season shift in Las Vegas, we take pride in successfully presenting our annual dance recital to our extended family, friends, and community.

This year's dance recital took place at the HyperX Arena of Las Vegas in the Luxor Hotel. It was a collaborative event involving all the dance groups of Pupu ʻOri Te Nati from the Polynesian Cultural Studio, where certified teachers from Tahiti, Hawaii, and Samoa instruct the students. Although only the Tahitian and Hula groups were able to perform, both groups rotated throughout the show's lineup, resulting in a resounding success. I am exceptionally proud of my haumana (students). Their costumes beautifully complemented the stories told through the songs, and their performances were truly enchanting.

In adherence to traditional Hawaiian cultural protocol, our hula lineup began with chants or ʻOli, followed by the ancient dance or ʻOlapa Kahiko Hula, and then transitioned to modern dances known as Auana Hula.

In the first hula segment, I opened our performance with two chants or ʻoli. The first, "Noho ana ke Akua," is a chant seeking protection from the hula goddess Laka. The second ʻoli, "He Waiwai Nui," was joined by students from the Alakaʻi class, recognizing and honoring our life resources provided by our kupuna or elders. Following the chants, we presented a hula ʻolapa called "Hulihia Ka Mauna," using the Kalaʻau or stick implement and the Ipu Heke to depict the journey of the fire goddess Pele from Kahiki to her current home in Hawaii.

In the next hula segment, our keiki hula class, consisting of six girls aged three to nine, showcased their adorable charm while performing two songs that highlighted their knowledge of the Hawaiian language vocabulary. The songs, "The Hawaiian Colors Song - Na Waiho`olu`u Hawai`i La Mele & The Alphabets Song - Piʻapa Mele," captivated the audience in their first-ever stage performance.

Next a solo hula segment featured an Alakaʻi student-in-training who choreographed her hula auana. Healoha Kamanu chose the song "Mahalo E Hilo Hanakahi" to express her connection to her hometown of Hilo, Hawaii, and its beauty.

The final hula segment was an auana performance by our Papa Wahine or Ladies class to the song "Sweet Lahaina Nights," written by Kumu Kawaikapuokalani Hewett. This song shares loving memories of the land, the people, and even memories with sweethearts. This heartfelt performance was dedicated to the people of Lahaina, especially those affected by the fire devastation earlier in the year.

In summary, this year's dance recital was a sold-out success, and we are grateful for the opportunity to participate. Special thanks to our founderʻs of the Polynesian Culture Studio, Julie and Kaniala Charles for their unwavering support and inclusion in this annual event. To our students and their families, your hard work is the driving force behind our efforts, and we extend our heartfelt mahalo for your dedication.

Full Event Video

In conclusion and as we embrace the holiday season, may your days be filled with love and safety. Whether you are surrounded by loved ones or basking in the holiday spirit, may the warmth of love and the comfort of safety envelop you. May laughter, love, and the assurance of cherished relationships fill your moments and build heartfelt memories. Wishing you holidays filled with the ALOHA spirit.

Mahalo, Mahalo, Mahalo!