Kāpili Polynesian Dance and Music Workshops

Kawika Keikialiʻi Alfiche

I Leʻa I Ka Hula No Ka Hoʻopaʻa - The Musician and the Dancer

Class Description: A musician that understands hula and a dancer that understands music creates the best synergy. I invite not only the dancers and especially the musicians (no experience necessary) to come take part of this fun, interesting and interactive experience. This class is open to both men and women. We will explore this relationship and become both the musician and the dancer.

Class Requirements:
Women: Hula pāʻū. Men can wear shorts. Ipu heke or hekeʻole (it is okay if you do not have one) ʻukulele or guitar, pen and paper. All jewelry must be removed or covered.

Kumu Hula Kawika Keikiali'ihiwahiwa Alfiche has been teaching hula and Hawaiian cultural arts for over 28 years. Kawika is the Kumu Hula (Master teacher) for Hālau o Keikiali'i, and is the Director for the Kaululehua Hawaiian Cultural Center in South San Francisco. With a mission to preserve and perpetuate all things Hawaiian, Kawika spends his life learning, teaching and sharing his culture through the hula and cultural arts and continues to teach throughout the Globe.

Erik Boquiren

Tahitian Drumming

Class Description: In my class, you will learn the basics and techniques of Tahitian Drumming. You will walk away being taught the foundations of “Oro Oro” on the To’ere, rudimental rhythms on the Fa’atete and Pahu Tupai, as well as how to be the heartbeat of the orchestré playing the Tari Parau. Please have a To’ere stick, Fa’atete sticks, or Tari Parau mallets for class.

Class requirements: Have a great attitude, be ready to learn, and be ready to groove!

Additional Class Materials: If you do not have an instrument of your own to use in class, I will have a plethora of To’ere, Fa’atete, Pahu Tupai, and Tari Parau available. There will be a $50 rental fee for the entire weekend.

Orometua Erik Boquiren writes: I am currently the owner and director of To’erau Manu Rahi based in Benicia, CA. I have over 25 years of experience in ‘Ori Tahiti. In my earlier years, I placed as an overall award winning dancer and in my later years, I have composed, written, and arranged multiple award winning Tahitian drumming and music pieces. In addition to my experience in ‘Ori Tahiti, I have also taught multiple award winning marching percussion groups. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Kristin, two children, Alexsys and Izaiah, and our dog, Scout. I find enjoyment in the recording arts and finished our first album this past December.

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Lani Cid-Iulio

Puamana

Class Description: We will learn some history and a hula about Puamana on the island of Maui. Class is open to men and women.

Class Requirements: For class: Paʻu, pen & notebook, water. For hoʻike, solid color tshirt, paʻu, lei and pua clip for hair.

Kumu Lani Cid-Iulio writes: As the Founder and Creative Director of Hālau Makana Polynesian Cultural Arts Center in Alameda, I’m grateful for the opportunity to share Polynesian dance, art, music, lifeways, etc., with anyone who has a desire to learn. We celebrated our 25th Anniversary in 2023. My grandmother was my first Kumu, and her cultural arts legacy now spans 4 generations. Added to my Polynesian Cultural Arts genealogy are many blessed years with Kumu Hula Mahealani Uchiyama and the prized and notable Hālau Ka Ua Tuahine.

Jade Makana Iulio

ʻOri Tahiti *THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL*

Class Description: In this class we will learn basic ʻori Tahiti technique, Tahitian language, and choreography. I will share some of my favorite dance drills, helpful dance terms and vocabulary (inTahitian), and creative choreography.

Class Requirements: Knowledge of ‘ori Tahiti basics will be helpful but not required. We will break down my technique and style and review basic steps in warm-ups each day. Choreography will be intermediate / advanced.

Additional Class Materials: Black pareo (can be pinned with black background), black top (crop tops and sports bras are allowed), a notebook and something to write with, water, personal towel, and a healthy snack (granola bar, crackers, fruit, etc.)

Jade Makana Iulio writes: I am the daughter of Kumu Hula Lani Cid-Iulio, and I have been dancing both professionally and competitively since I could stand on my own two feet. I am classically and traditionally trained in both realms of Hula and ʻOri Tahiti, and I now teach and mentor students of all ages and skill levels.

Kēhaulani Dinga

Construct and Dance With Your Own Pūniu

Class Description: In this workshop you will construct a pūniu with ka (knee drum with beater) and learn a hula pūniu.

Class Requirements: All levels and abilities are welcome. Please wear comfortable clothes for the crafting phase of the workshop. Bring scissors. Nā wahine please bring pāʻū, white preferred.

Additional Class Materials: The cost of materials is an additional $55. Please pay instructor, directly, on the day of the workshop.

Kēhaulani Dinga is ʻAlaka’i for Hālau KaUaTuahine under the direction of Kumu Hula Māhealani Uchiyama. Kēhaulani began implement crafting in 2003 when she learned to make her first ipu heke from ‘Iolaka Swan. She has since learned the art of pūniu crafting from Kent Apo of Maui, lapa’iki making from Uncle Buddy Makaiau, and ūli’ūli creation from Kumu Hula Kamuela Chun of Hālau O Kekuhi.

Liko Puha

Oli Workshop

Class Description: In this 2-day experiential workshop, participants will study the Hawaiian oral tradition perpetuated through mele (poetic texts) as expressed through oli (chant). We will be studying several mele and oli styles. We will also be creating a kīhei together.

Recommended Preparation: 

• If you are a hula person, confer with your Kumu Hula before registering for this workshop.
• Expect to memorize and perform at least one workshop mele for hōʻike on Sunday.
• Bring an apron or clothes for working with acrylic paint.
• Personal audio recording devices encouraged.

For questions, contact Kumu Liko Puha at KumuLiko@nowelo.org.

Class Requirements: When you register, please provide an email address you regularly check to the Kāpili registrar for workshop communication from the instructor.

Additional Class Materials: There will be a nominal materials fee for creating the kīhei payable in cash at the workshop to Kumu Liko.

Recording during instruction: Audio recording recommended. Video recording is allowed only during specific parts of instruction as determined by the instructor.

Kumu Liko Puha is a Native Hawaiian cultural educator. He has taught Hawaiian cultural workshops in chant, hula, lei-making, language, philosophy, spirituality, throughout the U.S. and Hawaii. Liko holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hawaiian Studies from the University of Hawaii at Hilo and a Master of Science in Education from California State University East Bay. Liko also received formal training with master chanter Dr. Kalena Silva as a recipient of the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts Folk Arts mentoring grant program. Kumu Liko is a self-proclaimed Techie-Type Urban Native Hawaiian passionate about teaching and learning currently residing in Santa Rosa, California.

Steven Kanahe Espaniola

Mele Hawaiʻi with ʻUkulele and Kī Hoʻalu Guitar

Class Description: Steven will be offering a new hybrid class where the focus will be primarily but not limited to the ʻukulele. Students will focus on 2 Hawaiian mele and have the opportunity to learn the various parts in bass, ʻukulele or kī hoʻalu guitar. We will also drive deeply into arranging these songs and personalizing them in a way to make them unique to these students. Letʻs have some fun!

Steven Kanahe Espaniola is a self taught multiinstrumentalist Hawaiian artist specializing in Ki Ho'alu (Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar), ‘Ukulele, Upright Bass, and Leo Ki'e Ki'e (Traditional Hawaiian falsetto). He is currently working on his third studio album with Dave Tucciarone which will feature a combination of timeless Hawaiian classics and unforgettable original compositions. In 2023 Steven's new original song "Sakura" was nominated for a Nā Hōkū Hanohano award in the "Hawaiian Music Video" category.

Herman Tachera

Construct Your Own Kahili Paʻalima

Class Description: Learn about the cultural aspects of Hawaiian Feather Art and create a Hulu Kalihi Pa'alima -- using dyed goose feathers.

Class Requirements: All supplies and materials will be provided by the instructor.

Herman Tachera is the kumu and founder of Hui Lei Hulu o Ho'omau located in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 25 years of experience in the Art of Hawaiian Feathers. Herman has taught numerous workshops in Hawaii, California, Oregon, Nevada, Washington, Japan, Taiwan, China, Korea, Thailand and Amsterdam, Netherlands. He was taught by the foremost masters of Hawaiian Feather Art, Mary Louise Kekuewa and Paulette Kahalepuna.