Hui O Hula offers free dance lessons twice per week
Hui O Hula, the Hawaiian dance club, brings aloha to Leisure World by offering free hula lessons. Anyone, regardless of skill level, can benefit from the class.
Lessons are held Tuesdays at 1 p.m. in Clubhouse 6 (Mirror Room) and Thursdays at 1 p.m. in the Health Care Center Conference Room located next to the pharmacy. Wear something simple and comfortable. During practice, dancers go barefoot or wear soft shoes or socks.
The club recently celebrated a festive Valentine’s weekend with the North Seal Beach Community Center, where dancers entertained the lunch crowd. Hula instructor Jojo Weingart invited everyone there to learn “In a Little Hula Heaven.” This classic song paints a dreamy Hawaiian paradise of swaying palms, gentle breezes and sweet romance. It perfectly captured the Valentine spirit.
On Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, dancers performed on the green in Mutual 11 for Dr. Duke Park, the honored guest celebrating his 90th birthday. A heartfelt mahalo goes to longtime friend Sherrie Venek, president of the Leisure World Japanese American Club, who arranged the surprise celebration.
Park worked as an internist in Missouri well into his 80s—85 to be exact—before he retired. He moved to Mutual 11 three years ago.
Duke enjoys traveling, plays the strategic game of Go and reads extensively. His curiosity, vitality and love of life continue to inspire those around him. Having thoroughly enjoyed Hui O Hula’s 20th anniversary in 2025, he was delighted when Vanek chose hula as the entertainment for his surprise birthday.
At the show, the dancers performed “E Ku’u Lei, E Ku’u Ipo,” meaning “My Lei, My Sweetheart,” as a dedication to him. The highlight came when the dancers all gestured toward the birthday boy during lyrics: “you are the only one”. The day was filled with warmth and joy—a perfect Valentine’s moment wrapped in aloha.
For class information or to book a performance, call or text 562-338-1502.
—Jojo Weingart
Dancers performed at Duke Park's 90th birthday on Feb. 14.
