Nishimachi Keiki
Well, the first session of hula at NIS has come to a close. The girls were very excited to be dancing at their own school. For the Kindergarteners (Mele Mele Class), it was their first time to try hula, and now all of them can Kaholo, Hela, Umi and Ka'o like professionals. They learned "Kaholo Hula," "Kawika," and "Pearly Shells and Hukilau," this term. They also learned a few Hawaiian Words like, "Aloha," "Mahalo," and all of their colors.
For grade 1-4 (Polu) , We brushed up on dancing TOGETHER!!! and they improved tremendously. The most popular hula they learned this term was "Cockeyed Mayor of Kaunakakai." They can all sing the song word for word too! We talked a lot about Hawaiian Mythology and learned about Hina, Maui, Pele, and more. Please ask them about those old stories of Hawaii. Next session (for Polu class) , I would like to introduce hula implements to the girls, Pu'ili, Uli'uli, and Ipu. If you are traveling to Hawaii this winter, please buy a Keiki Implement set for your daughter. If not, I will go in February and pick up a set for all of the girls
I assigned homework for all of the girls:
Where ever you travel this holiday season---Austrailia, Guam, Thailand, New York, Arizona, Hawaii, Nagano, where ever----you have to dance hula for someone (or by yourself). It can be you, alone in the bathroom at your hotel, or on the beach, or in the onsen, but where ever you visit, please please practice your hula. When we return from holiday, I will ask the girls to Document their experience!
Looking forward to seeing all of you in the new year!
