Closing Out the Year 2023

Aloha, Kumu Kawahine here, wrapping up the year of 2023 with the latest scoop on our hula journey with the halau. December, as we all know, is a whirlwind of activity – balancing our regular schedules with the added holiday hustle, from Christmas shopping to family gatherings, event planning, and more. It's a lot, right? Well, our halau members felt the same, but as their Kumu, I aimed for a month that was both simple and special. Despite my schedule filling up with extra activities at the studio, it turned out to be quite a memorable month.

Our hula adventure began with each class delving into a new hula along with learning  fascinating moʻolelo or stories behind them:

The Keiki class dove into the first two verses of the song “ʻOiwi E," a mele rooted in Aotearoa. Inspired by Kumu Hula John Keola Lake's experiences in New Zealand, this mele holds similar meanings to the Maori song Nga Iwi E. It's a powerful narrative about natives standing proud, drawing guidance from our ancestors. (Huapala.org)

The Wahine class embraced the art of auana hula choreography, dancing to “Hopoe,” a mele written by Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, and recorded with many musicians but I chose the version sung by the Makaha Sons. This captivating hula unraveled the moʻolelo of Hopoe, formerly known as Nanahuki, the best friend of Hiʻiakaikapoliopele, the youngest sister of the fire goddess Pele. Hopoe's intriguing life story unfolded, shedding light on why her legacy is cherished as one of our hula goddesses.

A delightful twist came when I was invited to teach hula to the Tahitian classes at the studio. The Vahine class, showcasing advanced dance skills, embraced the mele "Hopoe" with added intricate hula movements. Their beauty, attentiveness, and respect for the lesson were truly commendable, making the teaching experience immensely enjoyable. The Tane class, our men's Tahitian group, delved into the hula for the song "Ka Mamakakaua," recorded by the late Palani Vaughan, it's a powerful piece recounting the historical events of July 6, 1887, and the Bayonet Constitution. Teaching this class was not only educational but a whole lot of fun. (Huapala.org)

As the month drew to a close, we received a special visit during hula class from none other than Hoku Zuttermeister, a renowned Hawaiian musician from Kaneohe, Hawaii, with seven Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. He also brought along his sister, Tiffany, and his friend, Jovin. Both are originally from Oʻahu, Hawaii but Tiffany has been a Las Vegas resident for about 10 years now. The evening unfolded with HULARIFIC cultural exchanges, lessons, and advice, creating a beautiful atmosphere. Hoku appreciated the students' performances, and they were equally thrilled to have him serenade their hula.

In conclusion, December was more than just a month; it was a tapestry of hula stories, dance, and cultural exchange that left a lasting imprint on our hearts. From the Keiki class embracing the pride of natives in “ʻOiwi E” to the Wahine class gracefully narrating the tale of Hopoe, and the Tahitian classes infusing history into their movements – each moment carried the spirit of aloha.

The joy of teaching Tahitian classes added an extra layer of fulfillment, and our encounter with Hoku Zuttermeister was nothing short of magical. The blend of music, dance, and cultural insights created an evening to remember.

As we bid farewell to this year's 2023 chapter, I express my deep gratitude to our halau members for their dedication and enthusiasm. The love for hula culture that binds us is truly special. I invite you, our cherished readers, to keep the hula spirit alive with us. Stay tuned for more adventures, stories, and rhythms in the upcoming year. Mahalo for being part of our hula 'ohana, and until next time – Me Ke Aloha!