LIHU‘E — The girls from Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina‘ala almost pulled off a sweep, but fell short on the final day of competition at the 34th Annual Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula competition, Saturday at the Neal Blaisdell Center
LIHU‘E — The girls from Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina‘ala almost pulled off a sweep, but fell short on the final day of competition at the 34th Annual Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula competition, Saturday at the Neal Blaisdell Center on O‘ahu.
Dancers from the Kalaheo-based halau under the direction of Leina‘ala Pavao-Vidinha dropped to second place in the auana competition, but were presented the overall perpetual trophy for the most combined points over three days, said Tammy Pu‘u, a chaperone with the halau.
“The competition in the auana was unreal,” Pu‘u said. “The girls did well, but fell to a Big Island halau, Halau Kaliko Pua O Klaniakea headed by kumu hula Kapua Dalire.”
Breeze Pavao blew in like the wind, Thursday night to start the incredible climb to the overall trophy.
Under the direction of her mother, the halau’s kumu hula, Breeze blew off the stage with the crown of Miss Keiki Hula 2009.
“The last time I think Kaua‘i even was on the stage was when I was dancing,” said Pu‘u, when she phoned late Thursday night. “I don’t know for sure, but I think this is the first time Kaua‘i has ever won at this competition.”
Following the Thursday night victory, Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina‘ala took the stage for “Aia i Hanalei,” a kahiko number performed by all 23 participating halau at the event, and when the dust settled, was announced as the top performers.
The appearance and participation of the halau ended a long drought for Kaua‘i at the annual event.
Pu‘u said even the announcers said, “I can see the headlines on The Garden Island tomorrow.” The kahiko competition was held Friday night and Pu‘u’s phone call came amidst the joy and excitement of parents and dancers reveling in the victory.
Following the announcement of the halau earning the overall trophy for the most combined points, Pu‘u said Pavao-Jardin was in shock, unbelieving that for the first time she entered a group, her daughter won the Miss Keiki Hula 2009 trophy, and her girls earned a first and second place position in competition.
“Being here is amazing,” Pu‘u said. “When the girls went up to accept the perpetual trophy, they started singing the Lord’s Prayer in Hawaiian and they had everybody joining in. Now, we’re off to Dave and Buster’s to celebrate.”
The keiki hula competition will be aired on KITV-4, July 31 and Aug. 1 starting at 7 p.m.
Dancers making the trip include Emily Melchor, Kaitlin Sandal, Jaedyn Pavao, Breeze Pavao, Taelor Sagucio, Annie Funaki, Amber Pabustan, Tiffany Ishibashi, Cherish Pascual, Noelle Lovesy, Rylee Pavao, Kristal Pascual, Melia Takakusagi, Nalani Ventura, Kukana Pulawa, Nika Tapucol, Gabrielle Balisacan, Kylie Wong and Kaila Harris.
In addition to Pu‘u, chaperones are Jennie Balisacan, Sherri Ephan and Fran Basuel. Junior chaperones are Jaena Shaffer, Ellene Ruiz, Tiani Harris and Heu‘i Bandmann.
