Show Time!

After 6 months of practicing for our annual Hula Ho'ike (performance), it's finally here! I'll be on my way soon to the theater for our final rehearsal before the show at 2 p.m. Two nights ago, we had our dress rehearsal and saw for the first time all 80 dancers in costume. It was overwhelming and exciting at the same time.

After rehearsal, our Kumu (hula teacher/master) reminded us what Ho'ike is all about - sharing and perpetuating the art of Hula. It's hard to believe that Hula was once almost a lost art, and what we do when we dance is preserving what has been for thousands of years. Those who truly know Hula understand that it is a spiritual art form and also a life style, one where Aloha exists everyday and in everything that you do.

King David Kalakaua once said, "Hula is the language of the heart, and therefore the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people," and that it definitely is!