My Hawaiian name is He Pua Laha’ole, which means an uncommon flower.  I was born and raised here in the Imperial Valley. I just started teaching hula last year, but I have been teaching at El Centro Elementary School District for 22 years.  I have taught Transitional Kinder- Second grade.

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I have been dancing hula for 9 years.  I am currently a member of Kuhai Halua O Kau’ilaueleilani of Brawley and La Quinta. I am a student of U’ilani Kau’ilaueleilani Meskell.  I have been a member of her halau (hula school) for almost 5 years. Our halau’s lineage comes from musician, composer, and master kumu Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett.

 

 I have been taught to sing in Hawaiian and dance authentic hula. I have experience in making Hawaiian crafts, Hawaiian implements/instruments, adornments and pa’u skirts.  I have been taking a Hawaiian language, o ka papa olelo course since last October.

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I will be teaching my students basic Hawaiian words and hula kahiko (ancient hula) steps and dances and hula auana (modern hula) dance.  My goal is to teach my students, not just how to dance a Hawaiian hula, but about the Aloha spirit which is the heart of the Hawaiian culture.  This class is for those children who are interested in learning more than just a dance. This class is for those interested in learning about the dance (hula) that tells the stories of the Hawaiian people.