Siblings compete for Keiki Hula titles

By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer

Leah Ki'ilani and Linford Mioe Kaopuiki-Kanamu: Siblings who dance with Kano'eau Dance Academy on Maui
Nicholas and Brittany Atiburcio: Brother and sister in Hokalani DeRego's halau competing for top title

This year, however, a couple of families will have double reasons for cheers and worry. Two of the 22 competing halau have entered brother-and-sister duos in the boys' and girls' solo contests for the Master and Miss Keiki Hula titles.

One, Maui's Kano'eau Dance Academy, is making its first appearance at the event, which starts tomorrow at the Neal Blaisdell Center Arena. Along with the group rehearsals, the Kaopuiki-Kanamu siblings, Leah Ki'ilani and Linford Mioe, have been spending long days in Lahaina sharpening their performances in chant, and kahiko (ancient) and 'auana (contemporary) dance styles.

Back on this island, the Central O'ahu students of Hokulani DeRego are gearing up for a return trip to Keiki Hula, including solo candidates Nicholas and Brittany Atiburcio.

"Mom dances, and Dad dances with us, too," DeRego said. "It kind of trickled down to the children."

This is Nicholas' last year with Keiki Hula, since he has reached the age limit of 12; 10-year-old Brittany has a little more time, though.

Leah, 9, has been studying with kumu hula Ke'ala Kukona since1999; her 10-year-old brother joined only last year. Within a few months, Linford had entered his first competition with his sister, last November's Hula O Na Keiki. The twosome won the palua (duo dance) category; sister placed second in solo dance, winning the chant trophy, and brother placed third.

Will one feel hurt if the other scores higher this weekend? We'll have to wait and see.

"Yes!" Leah said.

"No," their mother said. "They love each other that much."

26th annual Queen Lili'uokalani Keiki Hula Competition

• 6 p.m. tomorrow and Friday; noon Saturday
• Neal Blaisdell Center Arena
• $7.50-$8.50; call 591-2211 (Blaisdell), or order by phone: 526-4400 (Tickets Plus)