About Hula O Kahawai

Hula O Kahawai is Hawaiian for Hula Of the Valley — and the perfect name for our hula troupe. We are based in Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley, a land where the golden Cascade Mountains rise in the East and the lush green Siskiyou Range in the West. Pear orchards and small vineyards abound in our small yet artistic community. Ashland Oregon is world-renown for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Classes

We are pleased to offer Hula Class for Beginners with Andrea Luchese.

Contact Us

To inquire about bookings for your event, please contact Barbara at (541) 778-0654 or via email.

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Our Mission

Hula O Kahawai is a diverse group of women dedicated to learning and performing the traditional dance of Hawai‘i ~ the hula. We strive for excellence in dancing and feel joy and inspiration when we connect with others through performances, workshops, and classes. We are passionate about sharing our love of hula ~ a style of dance that speaks the language of the heart and embodies the richness of Hawaiian culture. We are guided by the stories told in the hula, which celebrate nature, legends, places, love. As communicators of Hawaiian culture, we are committed to following the hula traditions as authentically as possible, to educating ourselves and the community, and to sharing the aloha spirit.

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Our Dancers

Barbara ~ Artistic Director

Hula Experience I started dancing hula at age six. I have performed extensively with a Polynesian dance troupe in Lake Tahoe, danced in Keali‘i Reichel's hula hālau O Ka Makani Wili Makaha O Kaua‘ula on Maui, with both Keali‘i Reichel and Uluwehi Guerrero as my kumus, where I danced in the King Kamehameha Hula and Chant Competition in O‘ahu. I moved to Ashland, Oregon in 1993 and now teach hula to this dedicated group of women.

I had always loved to dance hula, but really felt a deep connection when I joined Keali‘i Reichel's hālau. We hiked deep into the forests of Maui and were taught plants, legends, customs. We had a hour of Hawaiian language instruction before rehearsals even began. All this furthered my appreciation of the hula. It weaves together history, language and culture. We the dancers have to tell the story right, respecting all that has come before, while entertaining our modern audiences.

Favorite Dances the one I am currently choreographing and teaching

Most Magical Hawaiian Moment Watching the sunrise on the top of Haleakalā, hiking in the ‘Īao Valley, windsurfing in 30 mph winds, talking story and eating at the beach with friends while digging my toes into the warm sand!

Passions I used to have a flower shop on Maui. I specialized in leis and large tropical arrangements. I will pass on these lei-making skills to my group, as my way of enriching the dance of hula. Educating the public about hula is important to this group and myself. When we give performances in this area, the history of hula is intertwined in our dances, so we inform as well as entertain.

Occupation I have just retired from being a wedding floral designer.

Andrea ~ Hula Dancer & Teacher (Beginners)

Roots I was born and grew up in Miami, Florida and migrated west in 1987. I have Italian blood, an Indian soul and am Hawaiian at heart.

Hula Experience I had my first hula class on the North Kohala coast of the Big Island with Kumu Raylene Lancaster. I felt I was in the presence of both a true master and a very wise woman. I was so moved I told her later that her class made me want to move to Hawai‘i. She responded by saying “You're welcome.” Back in Ashland, I found Aunty Malia's classes and when Aunty moved and it looked like hula would fade from view, the women of Hula O Kahawai convened and I've been dancing with them since.

Favorite DancesAll the ones I haven‘t yet learned. And of the ones I know: Aia La 'O Pele I Hawai‘i, Ho‘okipa Paka, and Maunaleo. Each dance has it's own flavor and takes me to a different place in myself — how can I choose?

Most Magical Hawaiian Moment Every class with Kumu. Chanting in the beginning of class, looking out at the ocean at sundown, while whales breech. Swimming with dolphins in Kealakekua Bay...

Passions I love the culture, spirituality, and dance of India. Spiritually, I'm most drawn to the “bhakti” path, or the path of devotion and love. I'm also inspired by the beauty of nature and sacred spaces.

Occupation I teach and perform Indian Classical Dance, I teach hula, and I also work for a company that manufactures herbal and nutritional supplements.

Ann ~ Hula Dancer

Roots I grew up in a German Catholic family of ten in the country near Baltimore, Maryland.  My Dad was second flutist for the Baltimore and Gettysburg Symphony Orchestras and owner/operator of Cramer’s Hardware Store.  My Mom lovingly raised all eight of us – I can’t thank her enough.

In 1978, I moved to San Francisco for the sheer adventure of it and 3 years later met the man of my dreams.  We’ve lived in the San Francisco Bay area, Mt. Shasta, Santa Cruz, on the Big Island of Hawaii and now in beautiful Ashland.

Hula Experience My love of hula came about very unexpectedly - I first saw hula dancers at the Aloha Festival in San Francisco, August l997.  I turned to my sweetie and said “One day you’ll see me up there dancing hula.”  One year later, I gave my first hula performance and I’ve been dancing ever since.

I’ve studied with Leolani Lowry in Santa Cruz, Pekelo Day in Ka’u and Michael Pang’s Halau Hula Ka No’eau in Kamuela. For two years, I performed with Lani Isaacs’ Halau Hula Na Lehua e Liko No Ka Wailani in Waikoloa.  I’ve taken part in numerous hula/chant workshops and participated in the week-long first World Conference on Hula, Ka ‘Aha Hula ‘O Halauaola, in Hilo. Currently, I am blessed to be dancing with the beautiful ladies of Hula O Kahawai.

Favorite Dances The love song, E Ho’i I Ka Pili by Keali’i Reichel has always been my favorite. I’m also very fond of Pauoa Ka Liko Ka Lehua, Hawaiian Lullaby, Hanalei Moon and Ho’okipa Paka.

Most Magical Hawaiian Moment Oh, there are so many:
~ Seeing Pele in lava flowing into the ocean at 4 in the morning!
~ Full moon kanikapila nights hosted by Danny Akaka on the grass at the Mauna Lani with whales breeching off shore.
~ Being totally entranced watching the dancers at the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival for three straight years.
~ Dancing Hanalei Moon with Darlene Ahuna at a graduation luau.
~ The absolute thrill of performing monthly at the Kings Shops in Waikoloa with my hula sisters.
~ Literally, out of the blue, having a Hot Air balloon landing next door and asking if we want a ride! Up in the air we went with views of five beautiful mountains - Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hualalai, Kohala and Haleakala. What a thrill!
~ Spending two days on a taro farm deep in Waipio Valley, fording a stream with water up to our waist to reach a sacred bamboo grove to cut timber bamboo.  We then made bamboo drums and nose flutes and learned to drum to the beautiful song, Hi’ilawe – sacred falls of Waipio.
~ All the many hula festivals and Hawaiian music concerts with my favorites being Nani Lim’s Christmas Show and the performances of Kekuhi Kanahele’s halau.

Passions Of course hula and all things Hawaiian, gardening, exploring consciousness, living simply, my sweetie, hiking, camping, crafts, reading, deep conversations with friends, spiritual/political activism, and having fun.

Erin ~ Hula Dancer

Roots My family lives in Colorado, which is where I was raised. Six years ago, I visited Ashland and fell in love. I've been here since!

Hula Experience Five years ago, a friend invited me to a hula class. Aunty Malia Nelson greeted us with a warm smile and plumeria hug. I was whisked away: her carpet became sand under my feet, my hips swayed as my arms motioned palm trees, Napali wind, the seaweed floating on the ocean. It was love at first hula. I joined Aunty Malia's Hula Troupe until Aunty fulfilled a lifelong dream of moving back to the Islands. I now dance with Barbara Chung and the lovely ladies of Hula O Kahawai.

Favorite Dances I'm entranced by the ‘auana dances: Nani Hanalei, Pua Hone, O Holy Night, beautiful Lei Hinahina and Maunaleo. I feel the power of hula kahiko: honoring Pele and her fierce, wild strength. Recounting the tale of Kapo'i and the owls as they battle against the King of Oahu. The stories guide and transport me.

Most Magical Hawaiian Moment Marrying my honey Chris on Secrets Beach in Kaua‘i. Our minister Kelvin Ho had us plant our feet in the earth and transform into a couple. We purified ourselves in ocean water from a conch shell, each person at the ceremony blessed our rings with words from their hearts, and of course, I danced the Hawaiian Wedding song. It was perfect.

Passions My sweet chunky baby Lucien, whom Barbara has dubbed Pōloli (hungry), spending time with my wonderful family, hula, skiing, photography, creative writing, beautiful design, camping and hiking, and music – anything I can whistle to.

Occupation Website designer

Holly ~ Hula Dancer

Roots Born in Alabama, I spent most of my early life living and traveling in the United States and Europe. Upon arriving in Ashland for an acting job at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, I knew I had found “my home.”

Hula Experience I have been dancing all my life—ballet, tap, jazz, modern. Wherever I traveled I always enjoyed learning the dances of that particular culture. I spent many years dancing and acting in musicals. But no dance has touched my soul the way hula has. Dancing hula I feel a deep, spiritual connection with the earth, and my heart sings with happiness. I have been a serious student of hula since 2003.

Favorite Dances If I have to name one (a difficult choice among so many), it is Hei Iti Vaihi, because the music is incredibly beautiful and it is a song about friendship.

Most Magical Hawaiian Moment Standing on Punalu‘u Beach on the Big Island, 28 weeks pregnant with my twin boys, enjoying the wind on my face, the ocean pounding in front of me and feeling the power of Pele in the black sand beneath my feet.

Passions My family and the many fun things we do together: traveling, camping, hiking, snorkeling, reading, climbing trees, bicycling, munching popcorn and watching movies…and of course, hula.

Occupation Mother of twin boys, Equity Stage Manager and Performing Artist

Kathy B ~ Hula Dancer

Roots I was born in Budapest, Hungary and have Hungarian ancestry on both parents' sides. We escaped in 1956 and emigrated to the U.S. when I was a year and a half old. I grew up in Oakland, California. I took up African dance in my twenties and continued up until a few years ago.

Hula Experience What lead me initially to hula was a combination of my love for all forms of dance, particularly multi-ethnic dance; my many years of doing African dance that was getting a little hard on my body yet wanting to keep dancing; a growing familiarity with Hawaiian music and culture through my sweetheart, Pili, and wanting to share more in that realm with him; and my enchantment with Hawai‘i since I first visited there over 20 years ago.

What I came to love in hula was the grace & beauty of the dance and the music; the deep connection with and the celebration of the natural world; the Hawaiian culture & spirituality that I was beginning to learn about; and the joy that is shared with other dancers and with audiences.

Favorite Dances My favorite dances so far: Hard to pick really but I guess Nani Hanalei (the slow version), Ke Ao Nani, Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai.

Most Magical Hawaiian Moment Hard to pick — there have been many. OK, how about the two most recent magical moments:

The sea turtle that swam right under me as I just got in the water and was snorkeling on the Big Island two years ago. I was rather nervous because I hadn't snorkeled much in my life and seeing that calm, beautiful presence totally distracted and enchanted me so I forgot to be nervous and just watched the turtle slowly float along, feeding along the sea floor, just a few inches below me.

The rainbows that formed a doorway during a walk with Pili and the accompanying misty rain showers that came and went at the petroglyphs on the Big Island.

Passions Other passions: hiking and being out in nature, reading, all forms of performing arts, travel, spending time with friends & family and of course, my sweetie! Tasting lots of different kinds of ethnic cuisine and learning about other languages & cultures.

Occupation I am the Event Manager at the Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater, a live performance theater in Medford, Oregon.

Kathy G ~ Hula Dancer

Roots I lived on the island of O‘ahu for 7 years working as a social worker for Kahi Mohala Hospital, and attended the American School of Professional Psychology – Hawai‘i campus. I return to the island once a year to visit friends, get my fix of plate lunch and Waiola shave ice.

Passions Hobbies include hula, exploring Chinese folk art history, and playing the fiddle.

Occupation I am currently in private practice as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in southern Oregon.

Lin ~ Hula Dancer

Roots My biological mother is Chinese so I've always had and affinity to Asian/Island cultures. My only involvement with hula was that my best friend in elementary school was involved in Tahitian and hula classes, and I loved watching her, but was never invited to join. Sad, huh.

Hula Experience Three women from Ashland Christian Fellowship, Uilani, Lisa, and Malia would dance hula for special services. I would cry watching them. They are so graceful. When I found out that Malia taught classes, I immediately signed up. I was heartbroken when I found out that Malia moved back to Hawai‘i.

Favorite Dances I've just come back from living in Australia for a year. I've learned some New Zealand Maori songs/dances that I love.

Most Magical Hawaiian Moment For Christmas a couple years ago, we went to visit friends who started a church on the Big Island. Candie is a wonderful singer/musician and told me that she'd be singing "O Holy Night". I mentioned that I could dance hula to that song. She invited me to dance for the church. I borrowed one of her dresses, but it wasn't quite right. Literally five minutes before church starts, on a Sunday afternoon, a second hand store right across the church opens up and brings out a rack of clothes. There's a beautiful long, red, traditional Hawaiian dress that's only $5, and guess what, it fits me! How‘s that for a Magical moment. It was funny too when Candie announced in church that they had to import their hula dancers from Oregon!

Passions I love going to hula class, and I love meeting with other hand spinners and weavers. At the moment, I'm also obsessed with planning a Disneyworld vacation...I'm blessed with a tolerant husband.

Occupation I'm a medical researcher, but not much of that in Southern Oregon. So I get to stay home with my girls and part-time teach Biology at SOU.

Lisa ~ Hula Dancer

Roots I was raised in western Michigan. "The Lake Effect" snow dump is largely responsible for my tropical yearnings. From Michigan I made a 7 year detour through Baltimore before arriving in Ashland. I find I am truly a Northwest girl but you'll know where I'm from the minute I say "pop".

Hula Experience I am drawn to hula in part because of my fascination with language. We use language to symbolize our inner worlds, attempting to put thoughts and feelings into words. Dance is nonverbal language and at times can convey an inner emotion better than a spoken word. Hula is closely connected to the natural world and the interpersonal workings of humans--both meaningful to me. Hula also gives me opportunity to connect uniquely to a small group of women and give a unique, uncommon gift to my community. In a world of chaos hula is a refuge of grace and beauty.

I danced with Aunty Malia's Hula Troupe for 2½ years before helping start Hula O Kahawai.

Favorite Dances Ikaika (strong) kahikos and flirty ‘auanas.

Most Magical Hawaiian Moment On a deserted beach in Moloka‘i, under a full moon, with my husband and a blanket...

Passions Living in the moment, sunlight, water, meaningful connections with my friends, family, and patients, chasing elusive fluency in French, solitude, hula.

Occupation Psychiatrist

Nani ~ Hula Dancer

Roots My parents met during college in Moscow, Idaho. My mother stayed with my grandparents, in Hilo, Hawai‘i, while she was pregnant, until I was 3 months old. My dad was on a navy ship when I was born. My Dad's side of the family is Hawaiian and Portuguese. I have lived all my life on the Mainland. I traveled to O‘ahu every summer, as a child, to stay with my father.

Hula Experience I started dancing about 4 years ago with my mom.

Favorite Dances I enjoy learning new dances. Lei Hinahina is my new favorite. I also enjoy the ‘ulī‘ulī dance, though my arms do not.

Most Magical Hawaiian Moment Arriving there every summer. I was always had a list of things that I wanted to do and eat as soon as I got off the plane. I still do.

Passions I love to dance, read, and visit the ocean.

Occupation I am a teacher. I substitute for the Medford and Talent school districts.

Susan ~ Hula Dancer

Hula Experience My reasons for hula are many, Nani's father, my first love, was from Hawai‘i, thus she has Hawaiian ancestry. I have always felt an affinity for the ocean, flowers, and Aloha spirit of Hawai‘i. Nani was interested in hula, and said Mom come with me, you love to dance. We were hooked. The opportunity to share this with many people through performance is wonderful.

Favorite Dances My favorite dances are Lei Hinahina, (I love Barb's choreography on this) Pua Hone, and Kawaipunahele.

Passions FAMILY, dance, art, photography, travel. The joy and the gratitude I feel being able to experience all of these now, is incredible.

Occupation Jr. High teacher, art and language arts for many years.

Verna ~ Hula Dancer

Roots I hail from Pūko‘o, Moloka‘i . I was born at ‘Ewa, O‘ahu. My family moved to Moloka‘i when I was a year old. I am of Filipino ancestry. My Dad immigrated to Hawai‘i when he was 6 years of age. My Mom was born and raised at Maunaloa, Moloka‘i. I attended Kilohana School from K through 10th grade at mana‘e (eastend) on Moloka‘i. Completed high school and college in Seattle, Washington. Went back to teach at Kilohana for 5 years. Moved to Juneau, Alaska and taught there for 5 years. Married Steve. Lived in Eastern Oregon for 11 years. Moved to Northeastern Colorado for 4 years. Now live in Central Point, OR. I've learned to bloom and grow wherever I'm planted:)

Hula Experience Why I do hula? When imitating nature and being one with your natural surroundings, there is no need for words… it's a natural thing to do. I danced hula as a child growing up on Moloka‘i. Everyone learned to dance for May Day Programs, Aloha Week Festivities, holiday celebrations and family gatherings. Music and dancing was an integral part of my life in rural Hawai‘i.

I feel as if I am making a full circle dancing hula again. I'm reconnecting with my roots and expanding my circle of friendships.

I danced with my ‘ohana and friends in Juneau, Alaska in the 80‘s. The native Alaskans loved the Aloha Sprit and we joined with the Tlingit and Haidas and performed at many venues. There were lots of joy and jubilation!

I met Malia and Uilani at Keola and Moanalani Beamer's workshops. I attended classes with Malia for about a year. I am enjoying dancing with the ladies of Hula O Kahawai. There‘s a great deal of Aloha.

Favorite Dances I enjoy most of the implement dances. Ho‘okipa Paka is fun to dance.

Most Magical Hawaiian Moment Āuwe, there are lots!! They include – hiking up to Hālawa Falls through the green verdure and finding and eating mountain apples; hiking in the Moloka‘i Rain Forest on a misty and foggy day and seeing the red lehua rain flower in bloom; sitting on the rocks at Maurice Point fishing with bamboo poles with my Dad; hiking to the top of the mountain and getting a glimpse of Pelekunu, a valley on the north shore of Moloka‘i; sitting on the side of a mountain in the back of our house and yelling across the valley just to hear the echoes.

Passions Plants, flowers, gardening, music, food, rearranging furniture (always seeking for that perfect balance:), crossword puzzles, non-fiction books, and quiet time in the early morning hours.

Occupation Taught first grade for 10 years in Hawai‘i and Alaska Public Schools. Presently, I am a pre-school teacher at Small Steps in Medford. I am also raising two boys, Joseph who is 18 and starting at SOU with aspirations to be a concert pianist, and Curtis, who is 16 and runs cross country and juggles. My husband, Steve, is from Medford, plays the guitar and has taught himself to play slack key.

Pili ~ Hawaiian Musician

A special mahalo to vocalist and slack key guitarist, Pili Moreno for accompanying Hula O Kahawai at many of our performances. His expertise on the guitar, beautiful voice, and knowledge of the Hawaiian language and culture add another level to our dance experience.

Pili has performed solo, with Hawaiian bands, and with a number of award-winning hula troupes at concerts, hula competitions, and festivals on the West Coast and in Hawai‘i.

He lives in the Bay Area, and when he can play for us, makes the journey to Southen Oregon. So for that and more, we are grateful to Pili for being a part of Hula O Kahawai.

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