gfhcj yjhb This two-day workshop on Kaulana Na Pua was a magical weekend event for everyone involved. Betty Ann taught it as part of the Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance annual Kapili.
Betty Ann
Kumu Mahealani Uchiyama
Marilyn
nnnnhyg uyfjg iyg fghj The haumana focused energy and diligence to make the five verses of this most historic anthem resonate with power and grace, and their hard work brought deep rewards.
One of the other kumu at the Kapili emailed this comment: “What an accomplishment to pull together 25 haumāna on a lengthy mele in such a short time. Your love for this mele comes through every time you dance it. And their love for you shone brightly too at hōʻike.”
Stephanie B
Fran
Celina
Ten of those haumana were from Hula Mai and the other 15 were mostly from the Bay Area, but one came from Canada! Since Kaulana Na Pua stands apart from other hula, the Kapili was a perfect place to teach it--a special setting for dancers who were willing and able to go out of their way to learn it and steep themselves in it for the entire weekend.
To make sure everyone understood both the history and the present-day significance of this protest song, Betty Ann wrote a booklet and gave a copy to everyone in the class. The choreography is from Auntie Ida and the impact was so powerful. When we danced it at the Ho`ike Sunday afternoon, you could feel the meaning and force in the auditorium. Here are a few comments from haumana:
Can you tell how much we loved it??? Seriously it was a wonderful, fulfilling weekend of true Aloha.
It was the spirit of aloha in a loving environment for learning!
I enjoyed you, my classmates and the dance so much; I guess you could say I had fabulous time! Sign me up for next year🌺
Terri
Adding her own special brand of aloha, Hula Mai’s Mary Ayres sent fresh cymbidiums and ferns and everyone made beautiful hair adornments for the Ho`ike Sunday afternoon.
Karyl
Mary
Marilyn
Betty Ann
Monica and Carolyn
After two days of intensive learning it was time for Betty Ann's Gracious Ladies to strut their stuff. And boy, were they ready!!
Stephanie B
Monica
Kokua Lily honors Betty Ann
… and Kumu Liko Puha graciously sang and played Kaulana Na Pua for us at the Ho`ike
Lily and Betty Ann
Kumu Liko Puha
Click on the icon to the right and watch the video of our Gracious Ladies performing Kaulana Napua at the Kapili. Thanks to Kumu Liko's friend Toki for shooting the video.