Events include:
Opening with Tahitian dance
Ancient and modern Hawaiian hula
New Zealand Maori demonstration
Opportunity for guests to try all dances and games
*Explanations of songs, dances, culture, and history are always included along with visiting and taking photos with guests!
What is traditional training at a halau? / What makes you different from other companies?
A Halau Hula is a hula school led by a Kumu Hula or master hula teacher who carries a hula lineage which is passed on to her students. This means that while the text for the oli (chant) or mele (song) remains the same, Hawaiians will be able to tell which halau and kumu a hula dancer has studied with in the traditions and style of her dancing. The dancer learns culture, history, language for chanting and singing, dancing, accompaniment with percussion and stringed instruments, and costume making. This training goes beyond what is taught in a studio or university. My intention is to perpetuate the traditions of my halau and Hawaiian culture while entertaining and educating audiences.
Do you provide your own music? / Do you include fire in shows?
Not only is choreography passed down to the hula dancer, but she is also given permission to use the accompaniment of her kumu and other dancers from her halau in her own performances. This means the copyrights belong to the kumu, and the audience can enjoy a unique performance. I bring this music along with a professional sound system, and a musician for some numbers can be added at the client's request. Since fire in luau shows comes from the tradition of Samoan fire knife dancing, male fire performers with liability insurance can be added at the client's request for the most authentic performance possible. An additional note on costuming: I also strive to have the most authentic costuming, but I respect any client concerns about modesty and will adjust to cover midriffs for women and chests for men if requested.