Halau Hula O Kawahineali’inohoikeanuenue-‘elua

Review for the Art of Hula in Burbank:
Our daughter was a month shy of her third birthday when she first attended Kumu Mikilani’s class. We never thought that she would do as well as she did. However, with her tiny stature and her best friend in tow, she easily grasped the hand, body, and foot movements. Her aunties were very helpful, keeping all the little ones at attention. The time just flew by and, each week, she looks forward to the class.

I first became aware of this Halau during their outreach program at my niece’s school a few years ago. Last year I saw a flyer for their annual ho’ike (show). I immediately recognized the name and went to the show with friends who dance for another halau. I danced a little hula when I was a child and I have been to Hawaii a few times and expected your typical tourist show. I was pleasantly surprised! The show not only had auana (the modern style) but kahiko (the ancient style). My friends remarked that they found the ancient style and chanting beautiful and wished their Kumu (teacher) taught them that style. The show also had an engaging and informative narrative. I went to watch the show again this year and was once again in awe of the choreography, costumes, and music. And the keiki (children) are always entertaining. I am thinking about taking classes with Mikilani next year. I’ll update my review if I do!

Kumu Mikilani embodies the spirit of the Hula. Her Hawaiian upbringing and her Hula lineage has shaped her authentic teaching style. Be it contemporary or old style dance, the ancestors are guiding her to represent the Hawaiian culture.
Every November, usually the Saturday before Thanksgiving, her Halau puts on a wonderful and exciting show. The costumes, the music, the dancing, and the cultural information shared with the audience takes one to the islands. I want to have a large summer party just so I can hire her group.
IF you want a real «Hawaiian» experience, you cannot go wrong with this Halau.

Like many others, I was introduced to Halau Hula ‘O Kawahineali’inohoikeanuenue-‘Elua at its annual Kanikapila show. As a lifelong lover of dance, I knew I was in for a treat. I couldn’t wait to experience a live hula show that would take me away on a cultural adventure to the isles of Hawai’i at a fraction of the cost of a Hawaiian vacation package. What I did not know, however, was that this one show would change my life for the better! As I watched the dancers move so gracefully across the stage with an obvious love of what they were sharing with us, I said to myself, ‘I want to be a part of this group.’ Two and a half years later I am as happy as I can be having made that decision. I have danced for most of my life, mainly ballet, but I never knew how fulfilled I could be in dance until I started studying with Kumu Mikilani. And yet, what this experience offers me is so much more than just dance. It connects me in countless ways to the culture, language, and spirit of the Hawaiian people and has enveloped me in a community of sincere, fun-​loving, hardworking women without whom my life would be infinitely less rewarding. I would recommend joining this halau hula (hula school) to anyone, dancer or not, male or female, who wants more from life and wants to feel a deep connection to this rich culture.

Have seen this group perform many times in southern California and have been taken back to the islands each time. Their love for hula and the Hawaiian culture is written over the dancers’ smiling faces and beautiful costumes.