Kēkēmapa (December)

• December 3, Hula (all keiki) 5pm-630pm at Araha Beach
• We will meet at the far right end of the beach (Past the basketball court). I will try to snag a small pavilion or two or simply meet you on the sand. We will do basics and maybe a song or two.  Please bring a pa'u skirt for practice.
• Tahitian class, 730pm-830pm at the studio
• December 10
• Tahitian only, 730pm-830pm at the studio
• December 11
• Keiki Hula Movie Night: Please drop off your keiki at the Kadena USO at 5pm. I will have popcorn, pizza, and drinks, but you are welcome to bring in snacks for them as well. We will be watching videos of our hula shows, a photo slideshow, and clips of Keiki Hula and Merrie Monarch. Please also bring a wrapped gift (between $5-$10) so we can do a small gift exchange game.
• Plan to pick up by 745pm. Mahalo! (Sorry, only room for our hula keiki)
• Half tuition only due for December

Nā Hanana: Nowemapa a me Kekemapa (Events: November and December)

E o e Nā Pua o Kekoʻolani!  Ho'omaika'i e nā keiki, nā haumana, a me nā makua!  Mahalo a nui ʻoukou!

What a success hoʻike was, and I am so very proud of you all.  From all the help we received in set-up, to watching all our keiki play together and enjoy each otherʻs company, to watching them perform with smiles for the ʻohana -- Mahalo!  Makes me proud to say I am the kumu of this hālau, most definitely.  Even more so, I am proud to say I am part of this ʻohana.  Piha ʻopu - not full from eating (although I did eat quite a bit there :D), but full from happiness.  Thank you.

And so we continue on.  This month we have begun studies on Anahola, a small town on the east side of Kauaʻi and home to Kaleonahenahe and her dad, Kaiona. :) As she holds this homestead land near to her heart (and he to his), we will learn the mele, "Anahola"and enjoy a few stories about this special place.

We will continue to practice the ʻolelo (language) for Kahana Mālie, our hula kalaʻau, while our kaikamahine are beginning studies on Aloha Week Hula, another fun hapa haole mele.  We will also prepare for a new kahiko, Mele no Hilo Hanakahi, another Pumehana Silva original.

In December, we will only have two classes, Dec 3 and Dec 10 (1/2 tuition), one of those classes will be held at a beach location for photos and practice and the other will be held at the USO (pending) for hula videos and practice. I will give you a definite time/place for each by 11/15.  The beach practice will be a great way for them to practice within the elements, among nature, and provide the means to collect shells and learn more 'olelo.  As well, halau photos may be scheduled during this time.  I recommend white tops and red or white bottoms for this photo session, as well as a halau colored outfit (turquoise/white/green anything--casual is fine).  The video practice will simply allow us to go over what they have performed previously, what we can work on, and to see glimpses of Merrie Monarch and Keiki Hula back home in Hawaii.  It will serve as another hula sister/hula brother get together.

Ho'ike Hula, Nov 2nd

Aloha kakou! I realize I threw some dates out, the last being Nov. 9th, but that is a 3- or 4-day weekend, so I'd rather leave that open for families to enjoy. Aunty Sandi and I are ironing out the details but are ready to make this happen.  Keep in mind that we will have 'uniki in March or April if your keiki cannot make this event. As well, I still have a holiday party to plan and likely one more get together before 'uniki. No costumes. Just aloha wear if you have it or anything halau color (turquoise/aqua). Keeping it simple. Will post song list shortly. Looking forward to it!

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Pasted from Facebook....

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    Saturday, November 2, 2013
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    12:00pm

• Aunty Sandi and Uncle Herb's, 2307 Busick Ave near Kadena Elementary

• Aloha kakou! Please join us for Ho'ike Hula o Halau Napua O Keko'olani at Aunty Sandi and Uncle Herb's house! Time for our keiki and families to come together and enjoy some ono grinds, keiki hula, kanikapila, and good times. Event will begin at 12 noon, kaukau at 1, games at 2:30, and hula at 4. Potluck. Looking forward to it! ~Kanani Aunty them's house is near Kadena Elementary. From Gate 1: straight toward Gate 3. Right onto Fairchild (Burger King), Left on Vincent. Right on Busick, 3rd house on left. So far, we've got the following: (Please comment with what you will be bringing, so we can all can salivate till den :D. I will post the list at the studio and on the blog. Also, if you plan to pulehu at the house, Aunty said please come by 10am)... Aunty Sandi & Uncle Herb (uncle, aunty said - not me :D): -Kalua Pig -Rice -Kim Chee tako and shrimp -CHEESECAKE :D -Cake -Musubi -Shoyu chicken -Noodles Kanani -Mac Salad -Chicken long rice -Meatballs -Pork soup Heidi and Dom -Mushroom soup Pork chops -Vietnamese Salad -Pulehu meat Nohea -Paper goods Alyssa and Avi -Pork guisantes -Ahi poke Other suggestions: -Salads (green, potato, somen, etc.) -Drinks -Ice -Water -Fish (Brian ;) ...we can clean and cook, and I'll even provide the cooler; just need prior to party) -Finger/Kid Friendly foods -Anything, really :D

Malama kou 'ohana

Hoping you all are fairing alright during this weekend of storms. Please stay safe. As of right now, we will still have practice this Tuesday. If we are still strapped to the base, I will blog again, but please just keep an eye on the TCCOR status.

Take care and stay warm,
Kanani

Mahalo nui kakou! ...and 'Okakopa

Mahalo nui kākou for all your hard work!  Keiki, you were AWESOME! I may not have been able to watch it all, but I saw some pretty fab photos and heard some very rave reviews! Maika'i kēlā!  So very proud of you all!  Moms (and dads..and aunties and uncles too :D)...mahalo ā nui--wale nō!  Lots of time, work, and effort, but I hope you felt it was worth it.  They have helped perpetuate the mana and pass down the manaʻo.  For that, my sincerest of gratitude.

And now for ʻOkakopa! (October) :D

We will dive right into a new mele, called Kahana Malie. It is a hula noho, or sit down hula, done with kalaʻau (stick implements).  I would eventually like them to fashion their own kalaʻau, but we need to find the time to look and prep them.  I will work on that this month in preparation for hoʻike next month.  It is a beautiful mele that I hope they will enjoy.

We will hold off on Ka Uluwehi o ke Kai for the moment. It was a rough go, so letʻs move on for the moment.

We will finish up/brush up on mele: Pupu hinuhinu/Ka Huli Aku, E Liliʻu e (both auana and kahiko), and the boys will begin learning their own numbers...specifically, On the Beach at Waikiki and Laupahoehoe Hula.  Iʻd like all of these to be included in their Hoʻike Hula come November 9th. Again, please let me know if you can make this event. If thereʻs anything Iʻd like to have your keiki participate in, it will be this family event.

Me ke aloha pumehana,
Kanani

Upcoming performances

Please see below. If you've already responded, mahalo. If not, please let me know if you would like your keiki to participate. It will depend on the number responses on whether we give it a go. Ho'ike is a big one, and I am hoping most of you can make it if it is set for Nov. 9th.

-Oct. 5th, Pink Outside the Box (Breast Cancer Awareness event): approximate time slot is 5:30pm. We will be dancing at Kadena Chapel 1 in the parking lot. It is a 30 minute show with Hui Nohona Aloha, our sister halau (Aunty Josa's group).

-Oct. 12th, Retirement party for friend of Joie (Tracianne's mom): no costumes necessary. Simply show up in something nice and dance a number or two with Tracianne. :) We'll keep it informal.

-Nov 2nd, Special Olympics on Kadena: approximate show time is between 1:30pm and 3:30pm.  Open to beginners.

-Nov 9th, Ho'ike Hula: All haumana (students) will perform past and present mele and hula learned throughout their studies as well as spend quality play time with their hula brothers and sisters, hula moms, and hula dads. All families welcome but RSVP highly recommended.  Located  near Kadena Elementary School.

-Nov 17th, White Beach: no details yet

-December: We usually hold a holiday party at some point during the season. I would love for your keiki to dance and for your 'ohana to come and enjoy, especially if they cannot make it to the ho'ike. I will send out a date as soon as we begin planning.

Hopefully this is all. My original plans were to focus more on just teaching and less on performance, so please do not feel obliged to participate in any of these (except Ho'ike :D).  Mahalo!

Sep 24 Classes Cancelled!

It's Hunny Girl's birthday, and this will be the first in years that her dad's been home. Yay!

Classes for that evening are rescheduled for the following Tuesday.  There are 5 Tuesdays in October. Normally, I'd take off one of those days.  We will instead have class on all 5 Tuesdays.

For the keiki performing for Kariyushi, I will open my house for practice on both this and next Friday.  This Friday, parents, you are welcome to come and work on costumes if you still need work on them. Almost there!  Hiki no!

Mahalo for your understanding,
Kanani

Kariyushi, final line-up/costume check

My sincerest mahalo to you all for all your kokua toward your keiki's outfits and rehearsals. They'll appreciate it...one day. :)

Please check your costumes and begin ironing and setting them in order onto a multi-outfit hanger and/or hangers with clips. Try to be as organized as possible when packing so that we have smooth sailing in the dressing room.  I will be taking the racks to Kariyushi but still do not know how much room we will have.  Please keep everything as compact as possible.

If your tahitian skirts are ready for sewing, please bring them to the studio. We will work on bands and headpieces this week. I ask that if you do not know how/where to pick ti leaf, please join me this week or this weekend so that you can prepare those next Tuesday during  class. I am available from noon on Friday and from 10am on Sunday.

Kariyushi, Onna, September 28 2013

Be there NLT5:00.  Please bring 2 ti leaf leis to give away.
(Line-up changed as of 9/16 @0900. Aunty Josa needed to change Set 2. Please see.)

SET 1.   6:00-6:40pm

1.    Kaua I Ka Nani O Hilo

2.    Ha’a Hula

3.    Little Brown Girl, Little Grass Shack- White top, green skirt, yellow lei & flower

        Kanoe  Kaleo  Reina  Hoku  Nalani  

       Autumn Emily Tracianne  Shayla

4.    Ku’u Ipo I Ka He’e Pu’e One

5.    Na Vaqueros- Black pa’u, black top, choker, red hibiscus

            Junko  Taylor  Kanani  Cindy  Yukino  Shizuka  (V-Shaped)

6.    He U’i 

7.    Waipi’o Memories-  green top,  white bottom,  kukui lei, lei po’o

[“V” shape] Hoku                Nalani                        Kaleo              Reina              Kanoe

                                                  

8.    Heha Waipio 

9.    Kino’ole Fireman’s Ball – keiki kane: black slacks, white long sleeve button up, bowtie; kaikamahine:  party dress, matching flower

                   KK Emily      Tracianne  Autumn              Pili Shayla   

                                           

10. Malama Mau Hawaii

11. Mele ohana-  

(on the island) Kino’ole costume with red lei, white flower; Na Opio: white top, red pa’u, red lei, white flower. All: ti leaf lei as well.

                                                            Kanani 

                                                Kaleo              KK 

                                    Reina Tracianne    Shayla      Emily

                        Nalani                 Hoku         Autumn          Pili      Kanoe

AUNTY GWEN- Please bring ti leaf lei for me & Ku’ulei.

           BREAK- TIME TO EAT!  Keiki, change into comfortable clothes, not costumes.

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SET 2  8:00-8:40

1.   Alu Like-  white top, own pa'u, matching accessories. Boys: black slacks, aloha shirt, matching lei

                  Hoku      Emily     Shayla     Tracianne     Kanoe

      Nalani          Pili         Reina       Kaleo             KK       Autumn

2.   Ka ‘a ahi Kahului

3.   Ulupalakua

4.   Aloha Ia O Waianae

5.   Waikaloa – White top, white bottom, pink lei, pink flower

                  Hoku   Reina   Kanoe   Kaleo  Nalani

6.    Ka Nani A’o Ka’u

7.    Nani Wai’ale’ale

9.    Keiki Tahitian- Paea – black tank top, white Tahitian skirt, yellow overlay, red band, red headpiece, 3 shell lei.  Keiki kane: khaki shorts, red material, yellow chest and legs

1. Tracianne     Emily    Autumn 

2. Pili      Shayla   KK 

3. Kanoe Nalani   Hoku

4. Reina  

5. Kaleo  

(After pau, please give them ti leaf lei to wear/give away at end.  Kaleo, please bring my lei.)

10.  Wahine solo Tahitian- own costumes.

    Taylor  Ku’ulei  Kayla   Kanani

11. Wahine Tahitian finale-  new otea amore

           Taylor    Ku’ulei   Kayla   Kanani 

12. Hawaii Aloha- Backstage Moms, please join us outside for Hawaii Aloha.

Give lei away :D  PAU !  MAHALO A NUI LOA KAKOU!!!

Kariyushi Performance Notes

Howzit kakou!

Quick reminder that I'm available for extra practice today and tomorrow (thur, fri) for extra practice after school till about 4:30. Parents, you are welcome to come earlier to work on costumes. Simply text me. Black tank tops for tahitian can also be found at the BX. 

Saturday rehearsal at 0900. Please do not bring siblings; studio will be crowded. I will be leaving by 1100.  If we need more practice after Saturday's rehearsal, we can do a 10am session on Sunday and again Tuesdays at 4pm before regular practice. Please leave a comment below if you cannot make it to any one of these extra practices.  Mahalo.

I know tahitian costumes are kicking our 'okole right now, but it'll be worth it in the end. ☺

As a recap, please follow these instructions for the tahitian skirt:
1. Measure hip for braid, and add at least 6 inches for overlap/fastener
2. Measure white tape from hip to floor. Ankle is fine, but floor is better and can be trimmed
3. Two strands each, so they are all the same. Don't forget to pull and straighten while attaching to braid
4. I will then need you to weave another tape (double the width of the skirt) from one end to the other
    a. Measure double the width of the skirt and grab the halfway point.
    b. Tie a knot at right end, and begin taking each set if strands and weave. See photo or see me. :)
5. Only after the weave is done can I sew material onto it to make a band.
6. Finally, I will return the skirts to you for you to attach Velcro and hooks so they stay at the hip.
7. Please have your keiki practice with them regularly to  ensure correct measurements and wear.
8.  We will work on the red bands next and make a decision to use the red tassels now or later.

Good luck and see you all soon!

Interesting to note...

Study: Hula has heart health, spiritual benefits

Aug 2, 2013 1:39pm

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HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii research presented to a convention of the American Psychological Association claims hula is good for the heart and soul.

According to research by the University of Hawaii medical school and the Queen's Medical Center, learning hula dancing can lower blood pressure and help rehabilitate patients after heart attacks or cardiac surgery.
The research attempted to evaluate how hula can help improve health among Native Hawaiians, whose death rate from heart disease is roughly twice that of the general population in the state, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Friday ( ).

Mele Look, an investigator on the studies, said there's also evidence hula has emotional and spiritual benefits.
"Hula has never been used before as an intervention in a scientific research study," Look said. "We wanted to understand it both from the cultural side as well as from the Western scientific side."

One study examined 45 people diagnosed with hypertension. Half of them took hula classes twice a week for 12 weeks, including heart health education. That group saw their blood pressure drop by 20 points on average. The control group saw a nine-point drop. Most of the participants with Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.
Another study offered hula as rehabilitation for patients after cardiac surgery or heart attacks. The trial showed hula improved physical functioning and boosted social support, Look said.

"People in the group often felt no one else really understood what they went through or how they were feeling, how vulnerable, facing their mortality," she said. "In the environment of a hula class, they felt supported, and it happened very fast and it lasted."

An earlier stage of the research was accepted for publication in the International Journal of Sports Medicine. Researchers found low-intensity hula was slightly more energetic than fast ballroom dancing and high-intensity hula took more energy than a pickup game of basketball.
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Information from: Honolulu Star-Advertiser,

Huuuuuui! Aloha kakou! E hula ana kakou!

"Mai kapae i ke a'o a ka makua, aia he ola malaila." (Pukui) 

Do not set aside the teachings of one's parents for there is life 

'Olelo no'eau much appreciated for its ability to remind us of those who have taught us much of what we know and hopefully cherish for years to come. Whether it be a lesson in strength in overcoming sickness, hula mana'o acquired by experience, or simple the aloha for time with family, mai kapae i ke a'o a ka makua.

It's been quite the summer, and I hope you all enjoyed it with family and friends just as we did. My makuakane is doing much better now, and I thank you all for your prayers in wishing him a speedy recovery.  Kaleo, Kapiliala, and I have finally returned from our visit with their kupuna kane a me kupuna wahine a me 'anake (and so thankfully Kaiona too! :D) and are ready to start another season of hula. :) While there in Makakilo, not only did we have an awesome time with 'ohana but we were blessed to be able to learn from our kumu hula, Ku'umomialoha and Pumehana ...and Makanaalohapumehana as well.  Within the next several months we will be passing along these hula to you, the Okinawa students of Na Pua o Keko'olani and are proud to say some of the songs come straight from our 'ohana lineage of composers and choreographers.  We hope you enjoy these mele and hula as much as we enjoyed learning them.  Hiki no!

Hula Review:
-E Lili'u E
-Kilauea
-Mele Ohana
-I Love You Hilo
-Alu Like
-Sophisticated Hula

New Mele:
-Waipi'o Memories
-Me ka Maluhia
-Waikaloa (hula pu'ili)
-Kino'ole Fireman's Ball
-Kahana Malie (hula noho)

Kahiko:
-Mele no Hilo Hanakahi

Tahitian:
-Te No'o Nei Au

June Schedule, No Classes in July

Aloha kākou!

As many of may have already heard, I will be going home by the end of the month to take care of my dad who is in the hospital. I will return in August at which point classes will resume. Please see this summer's schedule below and note that there will be no class in July.

June
Tuesday classes ~ June 4, 11, 18, 25
Sunday class ~ June 2, 9, 23

July

No classes in July

August

Tuesday classes ~ August 6, 13, 20, 27 

Sunday class ~ August 4, 11, 18, 25

Sunday Tahitian Class

Iaorana!

A quick reminder that 9am Tahitian class will resume this Sunday, June 2nd. However, I will not be having keiki hula. I am debating another day/time, even for Tahitian, but I will definitely not have keiki hula on Sundays. Alternate time/day suggestions are welcomed.

Mauruuru,

Kanani
Sent

Seamstress & Upcoming performances

Aloha kakou,

Aunty Josa has called one of her seamstress contacts, Kiku, who will have time next week or the following to sew some pa'u tops and bottoms for those of you who cannot sew your own. It will take about a week to complete since she works day time. I will be purchasing white material for E Lili'u E for the upcoming 24 May show, but you are welcome to bring in material of your own if you'd like a practice pa'u for your keiki and/or red pa'u for future performances.  The white pa'u will be used for other songs as well with add-on designs in the works.  Again, performances are not mandatory, and most times I try to pick and choose keiki based on knowledge base and group/event.  It's simply a great way to showcase our culture and your keiki's halau studies.  If you are not anticipating your child performing, please disregard.

I will try to make some pa'u for borrowing, but I cannot guarantee they will be proper length. If you would like one sewn for your keiki, please respond with name, color, what to sew, and measurements (1. hip to below knee, 2. around hip, 3. armpit to below glutes, 4. around chest)

Fees:

-Pa'u top and bottom set, Y2500 plus yardage

-Pa'u bottom only, Y1500 plus yardage  

-Halau will pay for elastic and thread

Material costs from House of 66:

-about Y450? per plain color cotton and about Y1000 per Aloha print (someone please correct me if this is not right)

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES (costumes and line-up)

• Fri, 17 May 1330 Bob Hope Asian Pacific assembly(ies)

Little Grass Shack - 

White pa'u top, green skirt, yellow lei, yellow flower

Emily   Kieanna   Sienna   Peni   Shayla

• Sat, 18 May 0930 Rehearsal for 24 May Hansen show (meet at studio by 0830)
• Fri, 24 May 1900 Camp Hansen

 

  E Liliu'e-

​White pa'u top, white pa'u bottom, blue sash, ​hair in a bun, white flower

           ​Kaleo   Kanoe   Hoku   Reina  Emily (Reina, please practice with Emily)

 

 I love you Hilo-

​White pa'u top, ​red pa'u bottom, red ribbon lei, red flower (I will bring red ribbon Tuesday, May 14)

          Kaleo   Kanoe   Hoku   Reina  Emily

 

Te Manu Pukarua-

​white top, yellow skirt, shell lei, white/yellow flower (we will work on putting bands onto the yellow next week) ​

         Kaleo   Kanoe   Hoku   Reina  Emily

 

Paea- 

Audience tahitian song.  Everyone, please make a short give away skirt for adults.   

 

Hawaii Aloha. -

everyone stay in last outfits.    Make 1 ti leaf lei.

        Give away ti-leaf leis

• Fri, 31 May @noon? Camp Foster Hospital

E Lili'u E and/or Little Grass Shack Medley

• Sat, 1 June - no details yet
• Sat, 8 June - email being sent soon, tentative line-up:

Alu Like

Wahine song

Sophisticated Hula

Wahine song 

E Liliu'e-

​White pa'u top, white pa'u bottom, blue sash, ​hair in a bun, white flower

Ka Uluwehi o ke Kai

(wahine)

 

 I love you Hilo or Little Brown Gal/Little Grass Shack-

​White pa'u top, ​red pa'u bottom, red ribbon lei, red flower (I will bring red ribbon Tuesday, May 14)

          

Chrissy Solo

 

Te Manu Pukarua-

​white top, yellow skirt, shell lei, white/yellow flower (we will work on putting bands onto the yellow next week) ​

         Kaleo   Kanoe   Hoku   Reina  Emily

 

Tahitian