Hawaiian dance club will offer beginners class in June
A special class for absolute beginners will be offered in June. This six-week-session, starting on Tuesday, June 6, costs $25 and will be given from 1-2 p.m., upstairs in Clubhouse 6.
To hula is to tell a story or describes a place through movements of the limbs and hips. In the beginners class, people can learn basic hula steps and two hula: one in the style of hula kahiko (ancient dance) and one in the style of hula ‘auana (modern dance). In olden days, kahiko (ancient hula) was used to honor the gods and chiefs.
As the hula evolved under Western influence in the 19th and 20th centuries, a contemporary dance style, known as hula ‘auana, was developed. This class is also intended for those who would like to refine their hula dance style. For more information or to enroll, call 562-2529676 or text 562-338-1502.
Besides practicing and learning hula, most Hui O Hula dancers have volunteered to share their hula skills by performing.
On May 12, dancers welcomed and wished Mutual 5 newcomer Rosie Smith a happy birthday in hula. Dancers also look forward to entertaining the residents/patients of Alamitos West Health & Rehabilitation Center today, May 18.
Dancers had the pleasure of centenarian Lyndell Phillips auditing the class as Hui O Hula dancers practiced. Sometimes she even danced along with her hands.
Lyndell has lived in Mutual 12 since 1988. She worked at the LW Health Care Center, as a switchboard operator, from 1989 to 2009. Throughout the years, she also enjoyed helping friends and neighbors as well as at the Friends of the Library, LW blood drive and more. In 1996, the Golden Age Foundation recognized her volunteer work with an award/plaque. Lyndell will be 101 in August.
All are welcome to class or to schedule a performance. Call 562-431-2242 for performance information.
—Jojo Weingart
