VAC offers unique hula learning experience: Kumu’s teachings pay homage to Pele

As an encore to Hilo’s annual Merrie Monarch Festival, kumu Ab Valencia invites the public to a unique hula workshop series, “Hula Pele,” from 4-5 p.m. Tuesdays, May 2, 9, 16 and 23, at Volcano Art Center.

There are many oli and mele hula for the volcano goddess Pelehonuamea. Valencia will teach a hula that pays homage to Pelehonuamea and her home at Kilauea. Learn basic hula steps and hand motions that tell the story of Pele. During this workshop, participants will learn appropriate costuming and how to make na lei wehiwehi hula (hula adornments). On the last day of class, the haumana (students) will make a traditional hula presentation to Pele at Kilauea.

The cost for this four-session workshop is $200 and includes all plant materials for hula adornments. Students might be responsible for pa‘u hula (hula skirt for men and women). Bring a notebook and pen; no prior hula experience necessary.

Visitors and kama‘aina alike will delight in this hands-on series of hula classes suitable for anyone ages 15 and older who have a curiosity about Kilauea and the indigenous cultural practices of kanaka maoli with respect to Pelehonuamea.

Valencia was born and raised in Honolulu and began dancing hula in 1979. In 2004, he and his wife, Pua, moved from Honolulu to Volcano, where Halau Hula Kalehuaki‘eki‘eika‘iu ma Kilauea began in March 2006. Valencia teaches hula in Volcano and continues to share traditional cultural knowledge with the community.

The Volcano Art Center is a nonprofit educational organization created in 1974 to promote, develop and perpetuate the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawaii’s people and environment through activities in the visual, literary and performing arts.

All classes meet at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus, 19-4074 Old Volcano Road in Volcano Village. To register, call 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.