Club will hold beginners class twice a week in January

HUI O HULA

Hui O Hula, the LW Hawaiian dance club, offers hula lessons twice a week upstairs in Clubhouse 6 on Tuesdays, and at Veterans Plaza on Thursdays. Both classes start at 1 p.m.

Having fun dancing together is key. All—including men—are welcome to take learn or to audit the class. Senior dancers/hula sisters are happy to share their hula skills and knowledge with the malihini/newcomers.

Dancing hula barefoot is a requirement; one may bring a pair socks or soft “booties” for hula practices. Dancing in chairs, called hula noho in Hawaiian, is acceptable.

The aloha spirit surely prevailed with the hula during the holiday season. The club gives a big mahalo/thanks to the dancers who took time to spread Christmas cheer to others, as well as the Recreation Department for the opportunity to enter GRF’s Christmas tree decorating contest. Under Libby Bond, Lori Chamberlin, and Yo kishi’s leadership, 10 dancers signed up to help. The club was thrilled when its tree received first prize. Last week, at the mahalo lunch, each decorator received a “gold metal.”

In January, a class for beginners will be offered on both Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. The approximately hour-long classes start at 1 p.m. and will cover basic steps and simple to follow hula dances. A new hula will also be taught to the rest, after the class for beginners. For more information, call 562-252-9676.

—Jojo Weingart

The Hui O Hula Christmas tree decorating committee-Lilly Bond (center with ukulele), Lori Chamberlin (Libby's left) and Yo Kishi (Libby's right)-with 10 other dancers happily display their gold medals by the club's winning tree after a celebratory lunch.