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| Betty Ann Ka`ihilani Bruno, Hula Mai Founder |
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Our founder, Betty Ann Ka`ihilani Bruno, traces her style of hula to hula legends Ida Namanu`okawa`a Wong-Gonsalves, Uncle Joe Kahaulelio, and Tom Hiona.
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| Bibi, Lorie, Pam |
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Hula Mai is our taste of Hawaii right here in the town of Sonoma. It's where everyone who has ever dreamed of dancing the hula can learn how; it's where everyone who has ever danced hula before can dance again. It's where, with practice, dancers can become part of the Hula Mai performing road show. Whatever your Hula experience, you are welcome at Hula Mai.
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Hula Mai means Come and Dance. We call to you now. Hula Mai.
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| Hula Mai at Ohana Fest |
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You can view Hula Mai shows by clicking HERE.
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| Misha, continuing class |
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Beginning and continuing classes are offered Wednesday evenings. For information please go to the class page or call or text Becky at (707) 731-7901, email at hulamaisonoma@gmail.com
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| Wendy S, Hula Mai lead teacher |
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lHula Mai offers classes in both modern and ancient hula. Our goal is to inspire a love for the hula and the Hawaiian culture through knowledge and understanding – and, to have fun
all the while.
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Hula Mai's choreography includes both Kahiko and 'Auana
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'Auana style hula can be described as the 'modern hula.' It is danced to melodic songs accompanied by ukeleles and guitars, etc. The lyrics are often in English, as opposed to the Kahiko chants which are always in Hawaiian. Costumes for 'auana style hulas can be traditional ti-leaf skirts, or dresses adapted from western styles - the mu'umu'u, holomu'u or holoku.
Kahiko is the old style or ancient hula, danced to a chant accompanied by a drum (Pahu) or gourd (Ipu-heke). Some ancient hulas were taught under very strict rules, and were called 'hula kapu' because they were for ceremonial purposes only, and not entertainment. Thus, they were not available to the general public. That has changed, however, since the 1970's and today Hula Kahiko is widely performed and can be enjoyed by everyone. The traditional costume for women doing Kahiko is the "pa'u."
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| Celina, Hula Mai oli and kahiko teacher |
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| Kumu Nan Watanabe |
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Twice a month, Kumu-in-residence Nan Watanabe, collaborates with Hula Mai to teach choreography inspired by contemporary Hawaiian music, focusing on technique, hand gestures, and an appreciation of Hawaiian cultural traditions. She enriches students’ understanding of hula, encouraging them to explore its depth and storytelling aspects, while respecting Betty Ann’s legacy and style. She preserves the essence of hula while fostering a vibrant learning environment for all Hula Mai participants.
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| Kumu Nan Watanabe with Betty Ann Ka`ihilani Bruno in background |
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| Pam, Hula Mai beginning student teacher |
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Students are given both written materials and video instructions to help them practice at home. Teachers may give students choreography or ask students to create individual choreography personal to them, as they learn a particular hula. Both beginning and continuing students have their own dedicated web pages where they can see their progress in learning hula and practice with themselves and the teacher.
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People with all levels of dance experience are welcome. Comfortable clothing is recommended and also a dance wrap or pareo.
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| Hula Mai dancers at Ohana Fest |
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If you are interested in dancing with us please give Becky a call or text her at (707)731-7901 or email her at hulamaisonoma@gmail.com for more information.
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