Na Lima Hana
Cynthia - “Kaleinani” - is the Halau Administrator in charge of student registration. She narrates the chants and dances at Halau performances. Kaleinani was born in Honolulu, where she began the study of hula at the age of 10. She has lived in Northern Virginia since 1985 and joined the halau in 1996.
Kaleinani
Copyright © February 2007
All rights reserved
Art design by Robert Lewis
Web site master Manu Ikaika
Halau Ho'omau I ka Wai Ola O Hawai'i
Kuuipo
Barbara - “Kuuipo” - assists with all classes and with new student orientation.
She was born in Wailea on the Big Island and began studying hula at the age of 3 in Kaneohe under the instruction of Emma K. Bishop. After moving to Maryland in 1991, she joined the Halau in 1996.
Kuuipo says that she has wanted to be a dancer all her life. “Hula comes from the heart. It inspires me.”
Napualokelani
Napualokelani assists with all classes and teaches a weekly Hawaiian language class. Napua was born on the Wai’anae Coast of Oahu and danced informally while growing up. In 1995, she graduated from Honolulu's Kamehameha Schools, where she studied Hawaiian language. After moving to our area, Napua joined the Halau in 2005.
Kauanani
Ray -“Kauanani" - assists with all classes. She joined the Halau in 2001, fulfulling a desire to study hula that began when she was a small girl. In addition to dancing, Kauanani also dedicated herself to learning to chant and to accompany on the ipu heke (double gourd) during all classes for footdrill and kahiko (ancient hula).
Through the teachings of Mahina and Manu, Kaleinani has been able
to fully embrace Hawaiian culture and has dedicated herself to perpetuating Hawaiiana.
Napua says she dances hula to perpetuate Hawaian culture, and hopes that others will learn that Hawaii is much more than pretty beaches and beautiful sunsets.
Kauanani says that the study of hula has given her a sense of both serenity and excitement. She enjoys making all students proud of their accomplishments.
