Hula School celebrates culture, community
<p>Skye Hatfield of the hula school Halau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie dances during a rehearsal.</p>
Hawaiian culture, music and dance is coming to Kalispell on June 13.
“Ho’ike Kulana Kaiaulu,” which means a show “prominent is the community, the villiage, the neighborhood,” is the 10th anniversary performance by the local hula school Halau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie.
“Hula is about teaching caring for your community and your ina — your land,” said Margie Henderson, an "alaka’-i," or assistant instructor, at the school. “It’s about finding and honoring the balance in life.”
The school is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, even though the hula dancing group has been meeting and performing in the Flathead in various forms for about 20 years.
The Kulana Kaiaulu show on June 13 will involve 16 local dancers and 14 visiting performers from an affiliated California school. Guitar and ukulele featuring Eddie Kamana Ane and Micheal Ka`upena Takahashi with vocals by Kumu Hula Juni Kalahikiola Lovel will accompany the dancers.
Henderson promises that the audience is in for a “very authentic” Hawaiian experience. From choreography to handmade instruments and accessories, the show will offer a look at Hawaiian culture and community right here in Montana.
The Kulana Kaiaulu performance will be from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Flathead Valley Community College Theater, inside the Arts and Technology building, in Kalispell. Doors open at 1 p.m.
The hula school is partnering with FVCC’s International Student’s Club/Global Friends and the Office of Student Engagement to put on the show.
According to the school’s website, Halau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie is a traditional hula school, studying language, culture and dance under the direction of Kumu Hula Blaine Kamalani Kia of Oahu, Hawaii, and Kumu Juni Kalahikiola Lovel of Sacramento, California.
Halau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie is the largest and longest running hula school in Montana, teaching and dancing authentic ancient and contemporary hula.
According to Henderson, the school’s performers typically put on one large show each year, but also perform around the Flathead Valley at various community events and school enrichment programs.
Tickets for the June 13 show are $15 for general admission, and $10 for children and students. Advance tickets are available at Paper Chase Copy Center in Kalispell or by calling Halau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie at 406-755-4434.
For more information, visit www.hulamontana.com.
Entertainment editor Stefanie Thompson can be reached at 758-4439 or ThisWeek@dailyinterlake.com.