Dancers will join July 31 ‘Tropical Summer’ event with Coconut Breeze
HUI O HULA
Hui O Hula, Leisure World’s Hawaiian dance club, welcomes anyone interested in learning the hula, free of charge. Classes are friendly, relaxed and open to all skill levels.
Lessons are offered twice a week: Tuesdays at 1 p.m. in the upstairs Mirror Room of Clubhouse 6 and Thursdays at 1 p.m. in the Optum Health Care Center conference room next to the pharmacy. For more information, call or text 562338-1502.
Hula provides gentle exercise for both the body and mind. Flowing arm movements, coordinated steps and shifts in body weight help improve balance, flexibility, posture and coordination. Learning choreography also strengthens the memory as dancers recall sequences, hand gestures, timing and the meaning behind each song.
Hui O Hula dancers were delighted to participate in Leisure World’s Multicultural Celebration on July 18. Performing on the large stage gave them an opportunity to build confidence, share the spirit of aloha and celebrate alongside five other cultural groups.
Although Hawai‘i is one of the 50 states, it has a culture and history all its own. Hula is a treasured Native Hawaiian tradition that shares stories, honors people and places, and expresses emotions through music, chanting and movement. Like a miniature Hawai‘i, Hui O Hula is itself multicultural. Dancers are united by their enjoyment of Hawaiian music, movement and aloha.
Preparing for a performance develops much more than dancing ability. The dancers learn to work together, support one another and move as a team. Stepping onto a large stage also builds confidence and reminds everyone that volunteering can be meaningful, joyful and fun.
The dancers will join a tropical summer themed community event with the Leisure World Coconut Breeze band on Friday, July 31, from 6-9 p.m. in Clubhouse 4 (see page 10). Craig Wilson and his musicians and dancers will present an evening of live music for neighbors and friends to enjoy. ‘Da Hui’ (means the group in Hawai‘i Pidgin) has been invited to perform beginning at 6 p.m.; and dancer Lori “Lolo” Chamberlain will also join the band to sing island favorites, including “Blue Hawai‘i,” “White Sandy Beach” and “Island Style.” All are welcome.
