Students learn chants, hula, mele at workshop

Advertiser Staff

Bishop Museum's monthly Na Kumu Hula Workshops offer residents and visitors the opportunity to learn the different styles of hula from Hawaiian cultural dance teachers, or kumu hula.

Two sessions are open for enrollment: Sept. 29-Oct. 1, with kumu hula Kapi'olani Ha'o; and Oct. 20-22, with kumu hula Marlene Kuraoka.

The Na Kumu Hula Work-shops incorporate the educational components required to understand hula: mo'o ku'auhau, the kumu hula providing his/her hula lineage and hula background before the teaching begins; mo'olelo, the act of telling the stories surrounding the hula number; mana'o, handouts that demonstrate the immediate connection one will have to make in order to understand the story of the dance; e hula mai, the teaching of hula basics; ho'opuka, the implementation of choreographed dance; as well as the encouragement and spiritual well-being consistent with hula and the spirit of aloha.

The workshops are $250 per person, with a discount for kama'aina. The first two days of each workshop run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a break from noon to 2 p.m. for lunch and free time to explore the museum.

On the third day, a dinner show will feature workshop participants performing chants, mele and hula.

For more information or to register, call 847-8291 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org.