Hui O Hula

Both Keiko Kawamoto and Yoshiko Kishi are exceptional hula dancers and have been with Hui O Hula, the LW Hawaiian dance club, from the get-go. Not only do they share the same passion for hula dance, but they also have their birthdays in January.

Young Yo was trained in buyo, the Japanese classical dance. She joined clogging, line dance, and hula as soon as she and husband Roy moved into Leisure World.

Keiko is a naturally gifted hula dancer. Instructor Jojo Weingart thinks it is because her mother was born in Hawaii; so was her husband, Clyde. Weingart is grateful for Yo and Keiko because they happily share their hula knowledge and even help teach the beginners in class.

New class subject is Roselani Blossom, composed by John K. Almeida. Roselani is the bud of the lokelani rose, also known as the damask rose, which is established and designated as the official flower of the island of Maui. The composer is inspired by his love for a woman who is as beautiful as roselani. Dancers are having fun learning to tell Almeida’s story/lyrics with their hands and facial expressions.

Classes are given on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1 p.m. Tuesday’s class is held in Clubhouse 6 upstairs. Thursday’s class is held at the Veteran Plaza; or inside Clubhouse 3 during extreme weather. Hula should be danced barefoot. Otherwise wear socks or soft booties for practice.

All—including men—are welcome. Call 562-431-2242 or email jojo@ huiohula. com for more class information or to book a show.

—Jojo Weingart