WHO IS TEACHING THESE CLASSES?
All classes are taught by Kumu Iwalani. Kumu Iwalani is a traditionally trained Kumu Hula inducted into the tradition by her kupuna and hula master. She received all her training and was bestowed with the honored title of "Kumu Hula" in Hawai'i through ancient ceremonial rites of the tradition. Her training continues still as her relationship in the hula tradition continues to flourish throughout the rest of her life. That is the way of the Hula.
AREN'T ALL HULA TEACHERS "KUMU" ANYWAY?
"Kumu" means teacher. It also means "source" and "foundation." In the hula tradition, the term "Kumu Hula" takes on an even greater meaning, weight, and responsibility--and NOT ALL those who teach hula that call themselves "kumu" are actually TRUE "Kumu Hula." The difference is in the training, the focus of their teachings, and the hula lineage where their knowledge originates from.
ISN'T ALL HULA THE SAME?
There is an ancient Hawaiian proverb, "a'ohe pau ka ike i ka halau ho'okahi." It means, not all knowledge is contained in one school. While there are many schools that call themselves halau (whether a true halau or not), not all teachers possess the same degree of training or lineage.
Some dance instructors have received their information by watching festival and competition videos, Youtube and other online sources.
Others have attended workshops or some classes and then decided to teach hula. Some of these people were maybe even taught some hula basics or a hula kahiko or two when they were kids through a family member, but still have no formal training, much less a graduation or induction rites to be officially called "kumu hula."
A very rare few undergo rigorous traditional training like in the ancient times and actually have a lineage that they can trace back. Kumu Iwalani is a Kumu Hula of this calibre.
WELL, I JUST WANNA LEARN--CAN'T I JUST SIGN UP WITH ANYBODY OR ANYWHERE?
That is a personal decision that really depends on what you are looking for in your own hula practice.
There are hui (groups) that get together for fun but they are not officially a school and are more like a social network.
Then, there are the Polynesian Revue type of groups that only do dance movements for shows and lu'au. These groups may teach and perform Tahitian, Maori, and other styles of dances, maybe even advertise that they teach "hula" but usually do not go into any depth with the Hula tradition. Costuming and accessories for these groups are usually very lavish and the student usually pays for most if not all of their own expensive costuming that the group will use for performances.
And finally, you can choose to join a more formal hula school that focuses only on the tradition and practice of Hula--on the cultural aspect, protocols, and tradition. Island Arts is this type of formal school of the hula.
DRESS CODE