Hula is an expression of prose and poetry, a dramatization and immortalization of the Hawaiian aho (lifeline), in which the aka ‘uhane (spiritual essence) is always given recognition. It is a lifestyle: At the heart of hula is the understanding, enjoyment, and appreciation for Hawaiian culture in language, medicine, science, art, philosophy, and religion.

E Komo Mai

We welcome you to join us and experience traditional Hawaiian dance, music, and culture!

Open enrollment is offered throughout the year during monthly workshops with Kumu Pilialoha; see our Event Calendar for upcoming workshop dates.

Practice sessions in between workshops with Kumu Pilialoha are held twice a week on Sunday morning and Tuesday evening.

Both the monthly Kumu Workshops and regular practice sessions are held in Grass Valley at the Center Stage dance studio.

Pre-registration to attend the initial Kumu Workshop is required for all new students.

To pre-register, contact Carole Puanani Ching at (916) 834-0887 or grassvalleyhula@gmail.com

 Fees

• Initial Kumu Introductory Workshop, $20
• Monthly fees, $65, which includes monthly all-day Kumu Workshop

 Dress Code

• Nā wāhine (women and girls) – Pa’u (Hawaiian skirt). New haumana wāhine will be loaned a practice pa’u until they can make their own.
• Hālau t-shirt – both nā wāhine and nā kāne (men and boys) should wear their halau t-shirts to Kumu workshops and regular practice unless otherwise advised. New nā haumana can wear a comfortable shirt of their choice until they purchase a hālau t-shirt.
• Nā wāhine with long hair – hair should be worn in a ponytail or bun with flower adornment placed on the left.
• Nā kāne – T-shirts (halau or other) must be worn at all times with shorts or long pants in solid colors.

 Expectations

As a traditional hālau hula, nā haumana are expected to:

• Follow hula protocol approved by Kumu Pilialoha.
• Adhere to the hālau dress code.
• Learn basic hula steps.
• Learn both hula ‘auana (contemporary hula usually danced to music) and hula kāhiko (traditional hula usually danced to chants).
• Learn ōlelo Hawai’i (Hawaiian language).