Hui O Hula Hawaiian dance club celebrates 21st anniversary

St. Patrick’s Day marked a special milestone for Hui O Hula, Leisure World’s Hawaiian dance club, as members celebrated the club’s 21st birthday. Dancers hope to continue sharing hula, friendship and the aloha spirit in Leisure World for many years to come.

For more than two decades, the group has remained active by bringing people together through Hawaiian dance, cultural learning, friendship and goodwill. It offers free hula lessons and a welcoming place where shareholders and friends can stay active and connected to one another. It is one of those good-for-the-body, good-forthe- spirit activities that helps seniors stay engaged in community life.

Hui O Hula classes are free. Lessons are held Tuesdays at 1 p.m. upstairs in Clubhouse 6 and Thursdays at 1 p.m. at the Optum Health Care Center conference room. Residents are always welcome to stop by, watch a class and see whether hula might be a good fit.

Like many long-running clubs, Hui O Hula is growing older along with its members, so new and younger faces are especially welcome.

Residents who are curious are invited to attend the club’s upcoming ho‘ike party on Saturday, April 18, at Clubhouse 4. The hula presentation by club dancers will be held from 2-2:45 p.m. Afterward, instructor Jojo Weingart and her dancers will offer mini hula lessons, showing and leading a few fun and traditional dances for anyone who would like to join in. Following the hula portion of the program, the afternoon will continue with a tropical rock band.

The event is free, with ample tables and chairs available in Clubhouse 4. Residents and their guests are welcome to bring their own refreshments, and there will also be a 50/50 drawing.

Looking ahead, Hui O Hula will also offer a free beginner’s class in May. Newcomers will learn basic hula steps, hand motions and a couple of dances in a relaxed and friendly setting. At the end of the session, participants will celebrate with a mini ho‘ike party to show off their new skills and enjoy what they have learned.

After 21 years, Hui O Hula continues to prove that dancing together can be a joyful way to stay active, build friendships and share aloha.

—Jojo Weingart