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| Hula Mai founder Betty Ann Ka`ihilani Bruno |
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| Kahiko hula at the Sonoma plaza |
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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.
Hula Mai means Come and Dance. We call to you now. Hula Mai.
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| Hula Mai's Annual Ho`ike |
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You can view Hula Mai shows by clicking HERE.
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Hula classes are offered on Wednesday evenings.
For details please go to the Classes Page or call Becky at (707) 731-7901, text or talk.
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Hula 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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Students are given both written materials and video instructions to help them practice at home. 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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Hula Mai's choreography includes both Kahiko and 'Auana
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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."
'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.
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| Celina |
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| Donna, Linda B, Fran |
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People with all levels of dance experience are welcome. Comfortable clothing is recommended and also a dance wrap or pareau.
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| Summer evening class |
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If you are interested in dancing with us please give Becky a call or text her at (707)731-7901 for more information. Beginning classes will begin on January 8, 2025.
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