The Art of Hula has been a huge part of my life, especially my childhood but I am only now realizing that it’s a part of my soul. Lacking of any grace, unless on a basketball court, I took my first lesson several decades ago and it lasted 10-minutes. It wasn’t my thing to ‘uehe, ‘ami or slide; but the moments I spent sitting on a chair watching practices every Saturday for 8-hours of classes, followed by an evening of performances in Waikiki not to mention competition rehearsals during my breaks from school taught me to have a deep appreciation for the art of hula.
I am by no means an expert in the art, all I have are my memories and a tiny understanding. I am also connected to the art spiritually through my Nanny, Hu’i Park and Lilinoe through her great-grand Uncle master Kumu Hula Joseph Kahaulelio. My Nanny’s halau is still in existence through the efforts of my Mom’s youngest sister, my Auntie Pumps. However, my life journey has led me to another halau – Kuhai Halau O Kahalepuna Pa Olapa Kahiko under the leadership and guidance of Kumu Hula Kahalepuna Richardson-Naki and her husband John Naki.
Our paths were reconnected through basketball, and now Chelsea is finding her own path in the art; Lilinoe has rediscovered her path; and Jayden too has taken an interest in the dance that is part of my soul.
[...] worn around the neck or head are as symbolic to the Native Hawaiian culture as is the art of hula. There are different styles of lei depending on the skill level of the craftsman, but with sincere [...]