Aloha mai! I dance with Na Wahine O Mokupuni Lo'ihi, which means, quite rightly, "women of Long Island." We chose that name to show our aloha 'aina, love for our home.

I fell in love with Hula around Jan. '99 when my belly dance teacher decided to teach us a Hula class one time, for (late) Christmas. It was the greatest Christmas gift, and I can honestly say, that day changed my life, because I can't go a day without it. It's so much more than entertainment and there's a whole WORLD of Hula outside of what you see in movies and on TV. It's all about culture, the land, the people, and just about any and everything else. It's very holistic.

The first picture includes all of us, and L--->R is me, Claudine, Lynn (who is our teacher, organizer, costume maker, everythinger,) Camille, and Grace, our youngest. This picture was taken in Oct '00 at Ka Hui Hula Polynesia in Indiana, where seminars were given by Kumu Hula Chinky Mahoe (who taught us the fantastic kahiko Mokauea Ku'u Moku and no less than three 'auanas!) and Kumu Sonny Ching. Sonny also taught a chant class that weekend. Plus, we also saw the incredible Makaha Sons!!! They did two shows that weekend and I was lucky enough to see both. They are such talented and wonderful musicians.

The next picture was taken right after our first performance together, on March 30th '01. Unfortunately Grace couldn't be with us. :( It was at a ho'ike during a seminar in Nyack. The seminar was taught by Sonny Ching, and, I just can't say enough about Sonny. The mele that we did was one of his kahiko chants, and we were totally honored to have him actually come up there and chant it live for us! We were nervous, but Kumu was with us all the way. He has so much energy, patience and all around aloha, he made us feel great to be up there. And if you haven't heard Kumu Sonny chanting, then you are missing out! (Also that night, Kumu's alaka'i / manager / dancer etc, Lopaka, went up and danced and chanted the mele Ma Kona Ho'i Au I Hele Mai Nei, and, wow, Lopaka!)

Hmm, to sum up: Hula is wonderful, holistic, historic and beautiful, and everyone, wahine, kane and keiki, ought to learn about it!

Now, go back!