Connecticut Hula Dancer & Luau Shows

POLYNESIAN DANCE & DRUMMING WORKSHOPS

Presented by

Kahana Hula and Pineapples & Coconuts

Saturday, February 5, 2011 10am- 4pm
PORTLAND SENIOR CENTER, 7 Waverly Avenue, Portland, CT 06480-1841

Tel # on day of workshop: 860.620.7202

Experience the cultural arts of Polynesia from a Kumu Hula (hula master) from the island of O’ahu, Hawaii. Kumu Lani Kaleiki-Ahlo will teach the ancient traditions of hula, the basics of Tahitian dance and how to play the mesmerizing drum beats of Tahiti.

10:00- 12 noon - Hula Kahiko (ancient hula) (2 hour workshop): $50 adv/ $60 at door

Hula is a sacred art to the people of Hawai’i, full of expression, meaning and history. Students will learn basic foundation hula steps and basic hand motions to the traditional chant, Liliu E, which tells of our Queen Lili’uokalani’s beauty.

1:00-2:30pm - Ori Tahiti Basics (Tahitian Dance) (90 minute workshop): $40 adv/ $50 at door

Ori Tahiti is a dynamic and vigorous dance that stresses intricate hip isolations, grace, and stamina. You will learn the terminology and execution of hip isolations, circles and figure eights.

3:00- 4:00pm Toere (Tahitian Log Drum) Drumming (1 hour workshop): $30 adv/ $40 at door

Pulsating beats and syncopated rhythms of Tahitian drums make the dance of Tahiti hypnotic and mesmerizing. The toere is a hard wood drum ranging from 2-6 ft long with a hollowed slit. They are played with thick wooden drumsticks. Students will challenge their eye-hand coordination while learning basic traditional Tahitian drumming patterns. Limited supply of practice toere & sticks available. Practice Toere drums for purchase can be ordered up to 2 wks prior to workshop (Toere cost: approx. $50; Toere stick: approx. $30).

10% OFF MULTIPLE CLASSES

Dress: Comfortable “workout” apparel. Recommended but not necessary: Hula Kahiko- pahu skirt, if you have one. Ori Tahiti- sarong over leggings or shorts.

Age requirement: Older children are welcome to register if they are disciplined to participate for the duration of the class. Childcare is not provided; please make arrangements for younger children.

Polynesian accessories and sarongs available for purchase.

For more information: Tiare Kahana 860.620.0665 or www.KahanaHula@aol.com

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM. Please make checks payable to Kahana Hula, LLC

Mail to: P.O. Box 310643, Newington, CT 06131.

Credit card payments accepted via PayPal (SEE BELOW)

Kumu Lani's BIO

Kumu Hula Kulaniakea Kaleiki-AhLo inherited from her mother a rich hula heritage as well as all the dances of Polynesia. Kumu Lani is the daughter of the late Kumu Hula Louise Kahili’okalani Kaleiki, who founded the `Ilima Hula Studio on O`ahu 1956. Her aunty, Kumu Hula Luka Kaleiki was also a dominant fixture at the `Ilima Hula Studio, supporting her sister Louise and discipling a young Lani-girl. In 1974, young Lani won the Kaua`i Tahiti `Fete Novice Dance Trophy.

Kumu Louise was a recording singer together with artists such as Aunty Emma Kamaka (Kumu Chinky Mahoe's auntie), Sonny Chillingsworth and the like. She learned hula from Uncle Henry Mo’ikelua O’ Tahiti Pa and Uncle George Na`ope. Eventually, Kumu Louise was entrusted with teaching hula to Uncle George Na`ope’s haumana as he traveled the world to teach hula. This gave birth to the unique `Ilima style of hula. The “Merrie Monarch” began as a four-day festival in 1964 by na Kumu Hula George Na`ope, Louise Kaleiki and Pauline Kekahuna; it was they who conceptualized the idea of a hula competition within the festival that was held for the first time in 1970 at the 8th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival.

Since the passing of na Kumu Hula Louise and Luka, Kumu Lani became the sole survivor and heir to the `Ilima Hula Studio. She taught hula off and on as was persuaded by Uncle George Na`ope and others to teach traditional hula, again. She has made the unique `Ilima style of hula alive again in Hawai`i and at her rootlets in Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Mexico and Japan.

Save $10 per workshop with advanced registration

Single Workshop Registration:

10% Discount
for
Multiple Workshops

Make selections on the right only
if you are registering for more than one workshop,
or if you are registering as a family.

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