Hui O Hula Hawaiian Dance Classes

With the holidays season fast approaching, Hui O Hula—Leisure World’s Hawaiian dance club—continues to share the joy of hula twice a week. Dancers are learning the new hula subject “Here Comes Santa in a Red Canoe,” taught by instructor Jojo Weingart. Everyone is welcome.

Weingart has been teaching traditional hula in Leisure World since 2005. Classes are held twice weekly: on Tuesdays in the Clubhouse 6 mirror room at 1 p.m., and on Thursdays in Veterans Plaza at the same time. During inclement weather, the dancers move inside Clubhouse 3.

Hula is a storytelling dance that interprets chant (oli) and song (mele) through hand gestures and rhythmic steps. While rooted in Hawaiian tradition, it’s easy to enjoy even for beginners. Newcomers can follow the experienced dancers until steps like the vamp, sway, and ami (hip rotation) start to feel natural.

Wear something comfortable such as a long, flowy dress. Dancers practice barefoot or wear soft booties or socks. For more class information, call 562-338-1502.

—Jojo Weingart

Hui O Hula's veteran dancers once averaged 100 shows yearly, including an impres sive 118 in the pre-pandemic peak. The longtime dancers pictured are Sara Park, Keiko Kawamoto, Yumi Kaneko and Saeko Maruya.

Jojo Weingart