Under the sunny skies, Hula Halau Makanani dancers, under the direction of Kumu Hula Lona Warner, took the stage June 6 at the Kona International Market for their annual summer show.
Approximately 20 wahine and six kane performed, showcasing a variety of Polynesian implements, traditional dress and dance styles. From the Islands of Hawaii, there was hula kahiko (ancient), hula auana (modern), and even a noho (sitting) hula. A lively number from Tahiti opened the show and was followed by the Ekahi and Kane groups performing typical mele of New Zealand using poi balls.
For the final number, all dancers gathered on stage for Halau Makanani’s signature dance – Melveen Leed’s beautiful mele pule (prayer song) medley, Walk Thru Paradise/Kanaka Waiwai.
This usually signals the end of the show, but Warner surprised the audience by announcing there would be a hana hou performance and that it would include all spectators. After a quick tutorial on the basic hand motions, the music started and the crowd danced with delight to an old favorite: “One Paddle, Two Paddle.”
Halau Makanani is not an ordinary, everyday hula halau. It’s quite special, thanks to the courage, vision and the rebellious nature of Warner. As a girl born and raised in Hilo, Warner grew up dancing and performing. Hula tradition was deep in her heart, but she never agreed with the attitudes of exclusivity she found among some. She always felt dance should be open to all who loved hula and were willing to apply the diligence needed to learn.
In the 30 years since she formed her own first halau, she has remained true to that principle. By providing equal opportunities for learning, she has opened the door to people who would otherwise be left watching from the sidelines.
Some of the “unlikely” folks have gained appreciation of Hawaiian culture, increased fitness and discovered the joy of dancing under Warner’s patient, but relentless tutelage. They are nursing home residents, mainlanders who never danced a step in their lives, and Special Olympics athletes.
A long-time Special Olympics volunteer, Warner currently coaches bocce and bowling for the West Hawaii program and serves as its head of delegation. Two years ago, parents of some SOWH athletes asked if she could teach their sons to dance. The boys had long expressed an interest in learning, but had never found anyone qualified and willing to teach them. Without the slightest hesitation, she agreed.
“I had always wanted to add a kane class to my halau and this seemed like the perfect way to begin,” Warner said.
She started the class with four SOWH athletes who have since been joined by three additional dancers who do not have disabilities. The “new guys” vary widely in age and dance experience, but all have been inspired by the original four who gave them the courage to try.
Hula Halau Makanani is a non-competitive halau.
“We do this simply because we love it. In performing, we get to share our aloha with our families, our friends and the community,”said Warner. “Hula is a sacred living art form that thrives because it is continually being shared; passed on from one person to the next. It is the language of aloha and it belongs to all of Hawaii’s people. We should not exclude those who seriously want to learn simply because they might take a little longer to become skilled, or because we think they may never attain certain levels of perfection. I would like to encourage other halaus all over Hawaii to accept special athletes into their dance groups.”
Please enjoy the following photos, taken by SOWH Volunteer Coordinator KC Strand, at the Hula Halau Makanani’s summer show. To view the entire album, click here.
