Hui O Hula learns dance to surfer song ‘He’eia’

Summer is in full swing and so are the hula dancers from Hui O Hula, LW’s Hawaiian dance club. Dancers have been practicing for their summer performances. The current hula subject is “He‘eia,” a classic Hawaiian mele/song that celebrates the surfing prowess of King David Kalākaua. Hawai’i is the only state that had a kingdom and still has a palace at its State Capitol Honolulu.

King David Kalākaua was known as the Merrie Monarch, and he could surf better than most. This hula is filled with surfing terms like crisscrossing the waves, riding off the crest and back-surfing into shore. Dancers are having a blast mimicking all of it in hula without having to meet at He’eia Beach in Honolulu.

Hula is not just about the moves and rhythms, it is also about understanding a story and letting their hands, body and facial expressions tell the tale of its lyrics. “He‘eia” combines the glory of ancient surfing, a royal suitor’s comical misstep, and the playful celebration of King Kalākaua’s name, all wrapped in Hawaiian poetic tradition.

All are welcome to join Hui O Hula’s classes. No experience is necessary. Classes meet twice a week, on Tuesdays at 1 p.m., upstairs in the mirror room in Clubhouse 6; and on Thursdays at 1 p.m. at Veterans Plaza where dancers meet under a big tent in open air.

Mahalo nui/many thanks to Mutual 17 Jacklyn “Jackie” Taylor for her invitation to entertain at her 80th birthday bash in Clubhouse 1. Over 100 friends and neighbors showed up for the special celebration. Everyone, including musicians Fortunato Revilla and Pate Kahale, enjoyed the festive ambiance and the ono grinds/ delicious food. Taylor prepared most of the feast herself.

For more information about dance lessons or to book a performance, call 562-338-1502 or email Jojo@huiohula.com.

Members of Hui O Hula dance to "Tiny Bubbles" at the Impaired Vision and Hearing Club's annual picnic.

Joan Shramek