More than 80 talented hula dancers, from keiki to kupuna, will take to the stage Saturday during the annual Hula Hoike of Halau Hula o Leilani. It is a show that Kumu hula Leilani Rivera Low says you won’t want
More than 80 talented hula dancers, from keiki to kupuna, will take to the stage Saturday during the annual Hula Hoike of Halau Hula o Leilani.
It is a show that Kumu hula Leilani Rivera Low says you won’t want to miss, with songs of Kauai to honor our beautiful island home.
“It’s not a competitive show, where the girls are all perfect,” said Low, who has been teaching hula and Tahitian dance for over 30 years. “My students all dance together as hula sisters.”
The 21st annual recital begins at 5 p.m. at the War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihue.
Dancers will range from 4 years old to seniors, and will dance hula kahiko (traditional hula) and hula auana, which is accompanied by musical instruments and singing, according to a press release.
In addition to enjoying the hula, the audience will get to tour Polynesia through dances and songs from Tahiti, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and Tonga.
There are similarities in language, cultural histories and myths, and spiritual values among these nations and Hawaii.
“It’s a cultural event. We do feature our hula and Polynesian dances,” Low said. “Although we are in Hawaii, we are still part of the Polynesian triangle.”
In the dances, Low’s halau will show distinctive costumes, music, languages, movements and rhythms.
Music will be performed by Low, who has recorded five Hawaiian music albums.
Accompanying her will be Kapala Lindsey and Kimo Artis, versatile musicians from Oahu. Guest musicians will be Darryl Gonzales and Michael Keale, both Kauai residents and recording artists.
A special tribute will be given to Uncle Charlie Perreira of Anahola, known widely for his finely woven fish nets and for his throwing technique.
The annual event is a fundraiser for the halau’s booster club, which supports the classes and performances of the halau. Hawaiian clothing, jewelry, photos and accessories will be for sale in the lobby.
Adult tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Keiki tickets (ages 5 through 12) are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Advance tickets are available until noon Saturday at the Hawaiian Cultural Center, at the Hawaiian Music kiosks in the Coconut Marketplace and Princeville Foodland, Larry’s Music and The Ukulele Store.
For more information, contact Leilani Rivera Low at 651-0682.
